CHANGES to the way allotments are managed in Christchurch could be afoot.

Christchurch Borough Council is consulting with residents about the way the allotment provision is currently organised as well as suggesting a number of amendments.

These include encouraging other landowners to provide allotments, offering more specially-adapted facilities and supporting local groups in developing community orchards and allotments.

They are also proposing allocating plots to permanent borough residents only with one plot per household, charging double for non-residents, ending multiple plots, and increasing prices.

Alan Ottaway, principal officer for open spaces and countryside at Christchurch council said: “Allotments are a great asset for the people of Christchurch but there is currently a shortage of them across the borough and this will never be addressed unless there are proper proposals in place.

“We want to help tackle the shortage on a realistic, planned and affordable way and have come up with a proposed strategy to help.

“We would like to hear from any current allotment holders and also people who may be interested in holding an allotment in the future to find out what they think of the proposals.”

Currently around 190 people are on the waiting list for allotments throughout Christchurch, although the number wanting to get their hands on one is thought to be higher.

Amanda Geaves from Rutland Road allotments said: “The reaction really falls into two categories.

“I have been handing out plots for the past five years and to be honest I’m all for what the council are doing.

“The waiting lists are just so high – mine is about six years. I find that people do want small plots as they are easier to manage.

“Everything they are doing at the moment is very much in keeping with what is happening up and down the country.”

Marjorie Amos, chairman of Southey Road allotments said she was “disgusted” with these proposals.

“We have people on the site from other areas and to hear that they may have to pay double, well, I’m dead against that”, she said.

“We are all friends on the site and for some to have to pay more then that will mean none of us are equal and there is an automatic distinction.”

David Palmer, in charge of plot lettings at Walkford Road allotments said: “The only thing I am unhappy with is the rent increase in years to come.

“It is rather huge.”

John Campbell, chairman of the Roeshot Hill Allotment Association, the largest site in Christchurch said: “There are a few details we are unhappy with but the overall idea of the strategy is good.

“It draws attention to the lack of space in the borough.

“Some of the measures including putting up the charge to out of town plot holders as soon as possible, obviously we do think is unfair.”

A public meeting will take place on Monday January 23 at East Dorset Indoor Bowls Club, Stony Lane South, Christchurch, starting at 6.30pm.

The consultation over the allotment plans are running until February 12.

Factfile

THERE are five allotment sites of varying sizes in Christchurch.

These five different sites are based in:

• Rutland Road in Fairmile with 106 plots and 36 on the waiting list.

• Douglas Avenue with nine plots and five waiting.

• Roeshot Hill with 224 plots and 114 waiting.

• Southey Road with 19 plots and five on the waiting list.

• Walkford Road with 78 plots and 35 on the waiting list.