Wellesbourne Allotment Association plotholders voted overwhelmingly last night (January 16) to reject a proposal by Coventry Diocese which would potentially see part of the historic site being developed.
The vote was made at the first recorded extraordinary general meeting held by the association in its history. There was an 82% turn out. 98% of votes cast were to reject the proposal. Chair of Wellesbourne and Walton Parish Council Anne Prior attended as an independent observer.
Chair Ian Hope said: “We asked plotholders to consider written proposals from the Diocese which would open the way for part of the land to be developed in return for land adjoining the current allotments adjacent to the flood plain with an offer not seek to further develop on allotment land for 25 – 50 years – the equivalent of just one or two generations. These proposals were made in a letter to the association and no formal planning application has yet been made.
“Plotholders expressed a number of wide ranging views and concerns and overwhelmingly agreed to reject the proposal and to continue to fight to remain on land where local people have been growing their own food for more than 180 years.
“We are informing the diocese of the results of the vote. We have offered to buy the land at agricultural rates which would help secure the allotments for the community in perpetuity. The Diocese has rejected that concept but in light of our overwhelming support we would very much hope they reconsider and instead help us to maintain what is recognised universally as a much valued community asset.”
