PRESS STATEMENT

Released 25 June 2007

 HIGH COURT CHALLENGE OVER ALLOTMENT SALE

JUDICIAL REVIEW PERMISSION HEARING – Monday 25^th June 2007

On 12^th July 2006, the Secretary of State granted permission for the disposal of South Street and Monks Way allotments in Eastleigh, Hampshire.  It is our firm belief that the Secretary of State’s decision was flawed.  It is an anomalous decision that is inconsistent with the requirements and application of allotments legislation and has relied upon conclusions that are factually incorrect. 

Whilst the Secretary of State’s decision was of considerable disappointment to plot holders on the affected sites in Eastleigh, its potential impact upon the future of other allotments around the country is more worrying. 

 Today, the High Court has refused permission for Ruth Kelly’s controversial decision to be subject to a Judicial Review.  This is a huge disappointment for the plot holders and supporters who have fought tirelessly for over 4½ years in a campaign not only to save the threatened sites in Eastleigh, but also to prevent the basis of protection for all statutory allotments from being undermined.  By not proceeding to Judicial Review, this decision increases the uncertainty surrounding the protection that can be expected for statutory allotments across the Country.  Should it result in, or even encourage, the erosion of the Country’s allotment resource, it will have helped to achieve precisely the opposite of the Government’s stated intention in 2002 to provide better protection for allotments and ensure that future demand for allotments can be met.

On behalf of the Eastleigh and Bishopstoke Allotments Association, I would like to thank everyone who has committed so much in support of this campaign and enabled us to bring it this far.  Such commitment comes from a deep passion for allotment gardening and a determination to adhere to the principles of democracy. 

Tim Holzer