'Peasants revolt' secures victory after decade-long London allotments battle

"The site has been used as allotments since 1917, when the 7th Duke of Northumberland leased the land to the council to feed wounded soldiers returning from the First World War, and was particularly prized by plot holders during the pandemic as a place where people without gardens could get outside for their physical and mental health."

"Park Road Allotments in Isleworth had been subject to a planning dispute and public campaign to protect it from development, but Hounslow Council has now signed an agreement with the Duke of Northumberland's estate for the council to lease the land and preserve it as allotments. The long lease will see the management of the allotments return to Hounslow Council for at least the next 24 years."

"The aristocrat argued that profits from the development were desperately needed to fund repairs to his Grade I listed London residence Syon House and would provide affordable housing for key workers. The appeal was subsequently rejected by a planning inspector."

Park Road Allotments in Isleworth has been protected from development through a long-term lease agreement between Hounslow Council and the Duke of Northumberland's estate. The three-acre site, used as allotments since 1917, faced years of uncertainty due to planning disputes as the Duke sought to develop the land for profit to fund repairs to his Grade I listed Syon House and provide affordable housing. A planning inspector rejected the development appeal. The council will now manage the allotments for at least 24 years, allowing plot holders to continue growing fruit and vegetables. The site gained particular importance during the pandemic as a vital green space for residents without gardens. Local councillors, the Park Road Allotment Association, and the Isleworth Society led successful efforts to secure this outcome.

Read at www.standard.co.uk