Launch of Allotment Site Design Guide

17th June 2013

A guide, which will assist local authorities and gardening groups design and cultivate allotment sites, has been launched.

Planning Minister Derek Mackay officially unveiled the Allotment Site Design Guide at the Scottish Allotment and Garden Society�s (SAGS) annual conference today (June 15).

The guide, designed by SAGS, will allow local authorities and individuals to make the best possible use of the land they have available for allotments through good, practical use and design.

The guide was funded by SAGS, with part funding from the Central Scotland Green Network and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Speak ahead of the SAGS conference in Dunblane, Planning Minister Derek Mackay said:�Allotments and community growing spaces are often at the very heart of our communities and we recognise the range of benefits that they can bring.

�Since the publication of our National Food and Drink Policy in 2009, we have made clear our commitment to supporting the increasing number of people who want to grow their own food.

�In April we launched a public consultation to shape the future of allotment legislation. This has now closed and plans to simplify and overhaul Scotland�s allotment rules are now being considered.

�By providing guidance on how to design allotment sites we can make it easier for both the public and landowners to develop and cultivate sites.

�I hope this guide, along with the growing body of advice we have helped produce, can assist with the creation of new sites.�

Keith Geddes, Chair of the Central Scotland Green Network Partnership Board, said: �CSGN is committed to raising awareness of the range of health, economic and environmental benefits of community gardening.

�We are delighted to have been able to help part fund the Allotment Design Guide which will provide a valuable insight and helpful information for groups looking to develop new allotment sites.�

A SAGS spokesperson said:�This is the first comprehensive guide covering all aspects of allotment site design in Scotland.

�It is an empowering tool to avoid conflict about applications for new sites and help all interested parties reach an amicable solution.