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 - Article 005
New Long Term Leases for Gedling Borough Sites
After some three and a half years negotiation between Gedling Borough Council, Nottingham and the local allotments, it has been agreed that new 20 year leases will be given to all five of the self- managed sites in the borough.
There remains only one site that is 'direct let' where an annual agreement will be in force.
Previously there were three sites self-managed, all with leases of various lengths of time. Following attempts to take part of one of the sites for build ing, the plot-holders decided to fight the proposals and with the help of the National Society decided to become self-managed.
This of course gave them a much louder voice. Through the dedicated efforts of the plot-holders the building proposals were eventually dropped. At this point, the Council decided they would like all future agreements to be the same for every site, and at first offered us all one year agreements, which, of course, we turned down flat.
We in turn asked for 25 year leases the same as those given to the Nottingham City sites. However, after much to — ing and fro — ing a compromise was reached, the result being 20 year leases dated from 1st October 2001.
A further benefit agreed is that the council will pay £25 plus annual RPI increases to each site towards the cost of taking out public liability insurance through the National scheme. All of the five sites are now members of the National Society and indeed the council are advocating membership to the point where they are incorporating this clause in the new leases.
I think it only goes to show that with a little goodwill and co-operation by all parties a satisfactory agreement can be reached. I only wish more councils would follow Gedling's example. I know there are a great many councils who actively support and encourage allotments but there are still an awful lot that don't.
[Shirley Fleetwood]
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