Dear Editor,
Stroud allotment holders concerned by recent media reports suggesting a policy to sell off allotments for housing development can rest assured—there is no such plan. Councils across the district remain fully committed to protecting and maintaining our allotments, and rightly so.
Demand for allotments is as high as ever, as more people discover the joy of growing their own fruit, vegetables, and flowers—not to mention the cost savings and proven health benefits. In fact, Stroud MP and local GP Dr Simon Opher, a pioneer of social prescribing, has even prescribed allotments to patients struggling with mental health issues.
As a keen gardener and former allotment holder myself, I understand first-hand the physical and emotional benefits of tending a small patch of land. The camaraderie among plot holders—sharing tips, stories, and surplus produce—adds to the strong sense of community that allotments foster.
Stroud District Council is not only committed to preserving existing allotments but also to increasing their number. Councillors on the Development Control Committee, which reviews planning applications, often encourage developers to include allotments within the green space of new housing developments.
We fully support the Government’s ambition to fast-track house building and deliver 1.5 million new homes, but we are equally reassured that this will not come at the expense of the centuries-old allotment tradition.
Cllr Katy Hofmann
Leader, Stroud District Council Labour Group
