Report Of: Deputy Director of Environment

REPORT OF: DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENT

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TO: LEAD MEMBER FOR ENVIRONMENT

ON 29thMarch 2010

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TITLE:WEASTE ALLOTMENTS – DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS

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RECOMMENDATIONS:

That the Senior Management Team approve the installation of a land drainage scheme at Weaste Allotments

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

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BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS:

(Available for public inspection)

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KEY DECISION:NO

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DETAILS: CONTAINED WITHIN THE REPORT

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KEY COUNCIL POLICIES:

Budget Monitoring – Community Strategy – Cultural Strategy – Environmental strategy – Equalities – Health – Planning Strategy – Procurement Policies – Regeneration

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EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND IMPLICATIONS:- N/A

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ASSESSMENT OF RISK: Low

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SOURCE OF FUNDING: SalfordCity Council approved Capital Budget 2010 – Allotments.

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LEGAL IMPLICATIONS: Works to be procured through the partnering agreement.

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FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Yes The Environment Directorates Management Accountant has approved the capital element of the report

OTHER DIRECTORATES CONSULTED:N/A

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CONTACT OFFICER: Ian WorsleyTel: No 0161 925 1194

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WARD(S) TO WHICH REPORT RELATE(S): Weaste & Seedley

1.0 Detail

1.1In section 3 of the Smallholdings and Allotments Act 1908, it was made the express duty of every allotments authority, where they are of the opinion that there is a demand for allotments in their area, to provide a sufficient number of them and then let them to persons resident in the area. If the duty is not carried out, an interested person would be able to apply for a judicial review and seek a mandatory order(1), in accordance with Part 55 of the Civil procedure rule.

1.2The number of Salford residents on the waiting list for an allotment at the end of September 2009 was 426. Approximately 21% of these outstanding applications are for a plot at Weaste Allotments.

1.3With in excess of 23% of local people describing themselves as having a long term, limiting illness and a rapid increase in both adult and childhood obesity the cultivation of allotments is seen not only as a means of growing fresh fruit and vegetables for the family, but as a further means of regular outdoor exercise

2.0 Financial

2.1A budget of £92,000 has been made available within the approved 2010 Capital Programme for improvements to Weaste Allotments.

3.0 Consultation

3.1 The proposed works have been developed in consultation with the Council’s Allotments Officer and are supported by Weaste Allotment Association and Salford Allotment Association

4.0 Conclusion

4.1 The installation of a land drainage scheme at Weaste Allotments will allow 19 full size allotment plots to be brought back into cultivation.

TENDER APPROVAL – PROFORMA

For use in seeking the approval of the Lead Member for Customer and Support services to proceed with a capital proposal

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