Enfield Council will take firm and immediate action to tackle the misuse of allotment plots and breaches of tenancy agreements, following years of unacceptable abuse by a minority of tenants.
While most allotment holders use their plots responsibly, a number have repeatedly flouted the rules, denying others fair access and undermining a system where residents can wait years for a plot.
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Maria Alexandrou, said this Council will work to champion and protect allotments, and provide investment to secure their futures for the long term. “The Council is committed to ensuring these valued community assets are used appropriately, safely and fairly for the benefit of all residents,” she added.
Following a serious fire at an allotment site in Edmonton last week, the Council is moving quickly to enforce its rules. Although the cause of the fire remains under investigation, officers identified a substantial, unauthorised outbuilding on the plot, including cooking equipment and enclosed fencing. Council access to the site had previously been refused and formal warnings had not been complied with. Allotment agreements clearly state that cooking facilities and the storage of flammable materials are not permitted.
Cllr Alexandrou said: “Last week’s fire is a stark reminder of the risks posed when allotment rules are ignored. While thankfully no one was injured, the presence of a large structure and evidence of cooking is deeply concerning.
“Allotments exist to support local people to grow food and enjoy green space - not as alternative living accommodation or places for unauthorised development. This kind of misuse is unfair to the many residents who wait patiently for a plot and who abide by the rules.
“We will no longer tolerate this behaviour. For too long misuse has been either ignored or unchallenged. We are taking decisive enforcement action and will not hesitate to terminate tenancies where there are serious or repeated breaches. The situation where a small minority undermine the system ends now.”
The Council has begun enforcement proceedings to recover the plot in question and will review other sites where there are concerns about non-compliance. Relevant evidence, including CCTV footage, will be shared with the police as part of ongoing enquiries.
Enfield manages more than 2,800 allotment plots across 32 sites, with waiting times starting from around two years and up, depending on the location. Find out more about our allotments.
Fire on an allotment being put out by London Fire Brigade
Fire, taken from afar, on the allotment
