Save Our Sheds

[chriselst]

Hello,

I hope this isn't out of order, seeing as I just registered today.

I have an allotment, the council say we must have planning permission for sheds, and that should we apply it will be rejected.

More information can be found on our allotment association website (very new, very sparse) here http://www.ahaa99.co.uk/?page_id=30

I have setup an online petition as we start to campaign for a more sensible policy for sheds on allotments, and am obviously trying to get as many signatures as possible.

The petition can be found here;

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/allow-sheds-on-allotments-without-planning-permission.html

This isn't just a local issue, but possibly a national one.  There is no national policy on allotments and sheds, and councils can effectively do whatever they want at the moment.  There are a number of other councils and associations watching what happens with our case and the success or failure of our argument could have ramifications for other allotments and allotment holders around the country.


So thanks for indulging me, and if you could sign and spread the word I would be grateful.  Now I have finally registered I shall no doubt contribute to the forum more, let's face it, it's either that or do some work.


Thanks,
Chris

[chriselst]

[saddad]

Hi Chris,
The NSALG can give you legal advice if you are a member...
Or you could contact ARI (Allotments Regeneration Initiative) I know there is no West Mids rep ATM but they will pass it on to E Mids.

There are good reasons not to have sheds... encourages break-ins and so on... but some authorities do blanket ban them... and some don't  :-\

[chriselst]

The situation is very confused where we are, the council run allotments have always had a no shed policy, private allotments have sheds on.  We are a new private development, after a few sheds went up someone complained to the council (lots of things were actually complained about such as cars turning onto the site, parking on verges) who promptly sent a letter to the land owner saying that planning permission may be required and we should all remove the sheds immediately rather than apply for it.

Much looking into things later and it seems there is no national policy on sheds on allotments and each council can effectively do whatever they want to.  Our council is determined to be shot of the sheds and, some think, the allotments.

Their arguments have changed over time from spoiling the visual amenity of the area (which is dominated by a power station) to being a conservation area (which it isn't, the other side of the canal is) to the sheds being permanent because there is no clear intention by any plot holders to ever move then (despite myself writing to tell them I had already moved mine twice and intended to do so again at the end of this year).

It seems to have become deeply political and personal by some within the council, and we just want to have somewhere to keep some tools and shelter from the rain.

The council's stance is that we have to make a planning application, although they cannot tell us exactly what (dimensions, materials, permanence) needs applying for, just that once we apply they will decide. It has been made quite clear that any application will be turned down.  There is a strong feeling that as they have no current policy what they want to do is force us into applying, turn down the application, and then make that their policy.  For some reason they are worried about other farmers turning a spare field into allotments and want to try to stamp it out.

My personal view is that some well connected locals do not want the oiks digging around and spoiling their nice view of the countryside.

[picman]

It will cost to apply for planning (£170) , you may be able to claim it is a temporary building , (anything under 8x4 feet should be ok) all costing you £s  Get in touch with your councilor, MP, or just ignore them !

[Squash64]

I've signed the petition and have put it on Scarecrows Smith's facebook page.
Good Luck!

[chriselst]

Thank you.

[pigeonseed]

I've signed it too.

[shirlton]

Have signed and shared with my FB

[BarriedaleNick]

I am pretty sure that you do not need planning perm for a shed but I have signed and good luck to yer!!

[elvis2003]

signed and shared,good luck and welcome!

[Aden Roller]

Our allotment association once had strict guide lines about the erection of sheds - size and number allowed per plot. These days it is impossible to see across the allotment site for all sorts of constructions (greenhouses, polytunnels, fruit cages, summer houses and of course sheds!). But if it's what the plot holders want.... why not as long as they are growing edibles on the majority of their land.

I think sheds (of some sort) are indispensable on a plot. Somewhere to store tools and equipment as well as a retreat should it pour heavens hard so you have my support Chris.  :)

If you have a Home Insurance Policy you may also have opted for the Legal Cover....this is about £25 a year. I believe that this entitles you to ask for advice about any matter not just those relating to your home. Should be worth a phone call to the insurance company to find out or look through your policy document - they might be able to give you some worthwhile advice.

[Aden Roller]

Signed.  ;)

[pumkinlover]

Another member on here had the same problem. I think that it was something to do with the original use of the land, and what it is classified as.
Some kind of compromise with sheds of certain dimensions would seem appropriate. I cannot imagine life without a shed. good luck!

[cornykev]

Signed.   :( :(

[Robert_Brenchley]

Saw it on Facebook and signed earlier. I can't see why a small shed would need planning permission.

[macmac]

Signed and shared  :)

[gwynnethmary]

signed

[chriselst]

Yesterday Lichfield District Council served an enforcement notice on the land owner for removal of the sheds.

They claim they spoil the visual amenity of the area.


>:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(

[Aden Roller]

I would definitely take action against this - local newspapers and survey of people who live nearby as well as quotes from people who make use of the land.

Totally ridiculous decision.

The "visual" part of this amenity is in the eye of the beholder. It'd look a lot worse left to weeds, brambles and a general rubbish dumping ground!

[elvis2003]

I agree, surely its down to personal choice what is visually beautiful or not.. are you able to fight against this,you would have a lot of support here if so,good luck