HC Deb 19 September 2002 vol 390 c213W
Mr. Love

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what action is being taken to protect urban allotment land from development; and if he will make a statement. [73544]

Mr. Tony McNulty

Section 8 of theAllotments Act 1925 requires local authorities to obtain the Secretary of State's consent for the disposal of any statutory allotment site. In February this year, guidance was issued to local authorities clarifying and strengthening the criteria against which consent decisions are made.

In addition, we have recently published a revision of Planning Policy Guidance Note 17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation, which provides enhanced protection through the planning system to all typed of open space, including allotments.