Land sale could help dig allotment site's grave (From Haringey Independent)

Land sale could help dig Fortis Green allotment's grave

9:00am Saturday 11th July 2009 in Top Stories By Elizabeth Pears

THE future of a Fortis Green allotments site is in jeopardy after the landowners revealed plans to auction the site.

The Foris Green allotments, next to the Fortis Green resevoir, off Woodside Avenue, is home to up to 21 different plots who grow a range of vegetables including brocolli, asparagus, cabbage and runner beans.

Many of the users are also keen wildlife enthusiasts.

The site, partially protected as 'significant local open land', is currently owned by water company Thames Water who gives licences directly to plot holders.

It is one of the few allotments in the borough that is not owned by Haringey Council.

But in a letter to residents, the company said the land was "surplus to requirements" and will sell the site at auction to the highest bidder through property agent King Sturge.

A Thames Water spokesman said: "We owe it customers to make sure they are getting value for money. If a piece of land is no longer of use, it makes sense to sell it.

"The profits can then be used to pay for maintenance work - money which would otherwise be raised through charges to customers."

He added that the land would be marketed as an allotment site.

But there is no guarantee that the land in one of the wealthiest areas of Haringey would not be snapped up by property developers.

MP Lynne Featherstone, for Hornsey and Wood Green, said: "Developers must be licking their lips at the prospect of prime land coming up for grabs.

"The council must help protect this valuable open space."

Councillor Dhiren Basu, Haringey cabinet member for leisure, culture and lifelong learning: "We have written to Thames Water making it clear that our planning policies are strongly against built development on the site, and asking that they make that clear to prospective purchasers.

"Our planning policies also seek to protect existing allotment sites, where demand in Haringey already outstrips supply."

But Mr Basu said that as private land it was ultimately a matter between the tenants and Thames Water adding the council "would not be happy" to see allotments built over.

And any developers who hoped to build on the site, would have to apply to Haringey Council for planning permission.

Councillor Martin Newton, who represents Fortis Green ward, said: "The Fortis Green resevoir is a wonderful space, much loved by residents and home to many allotments.

"With allotment space already at a premium in Haringey and residents already having to wait years for a plot, the allotments need to be saved."

The waiting list for allotments in Haringey is nearly 10 to 15 years.