My body clock is all over the place at the moment so please bear with me.
We had to turn back the clock an hour while in Germany and then come home to do it all over again. So l am a bit slow in picking up emails and getting stories back out to you.
I know this coming Friday will be a sad day for the allotment holders at Combe Down.
Christopher Pearce writes to tell me that – despite that – there is still more to be done in supporting allotment sites in the city.
“Although Combe Down plot-holders must vacate their plots by this Friday, The Friends of Combe Down Allotments (TFoCDA), together with Combe Down (Bath) Allotments CIC, will be ready to act should the private landowner wants to sell.
We’ve already succeeded in having the current site designated as an Asset of Community Value, and now we have a vital opportunity to protect it further through Local Green Space (LGS) designation. LGS status offers stronger protection against development, and ensures long-term community access and environmental benefits.
TFoCDA fully supports the two requests from the Bath Allotments Association outlined below.
Please take action now—by responding to both these consultations on the Council’s website.
Share the Message
Please forward this message to friends, family, and neighbours. Every comment counts.
Best regards,
Chris Pearce
BAA CD Site Rep & Chair TFoCDA
The Bath Allotments Association & TFoCDA needs you to support allotments in Bath by responding to both these important live consultations on the Council’s website.
CONSULTATION 1.
DEADLINE 5 pm Friday 14 November
Why It Matters
- The site has served our community for over 130 years.
- It’s a haven for wildlife, wellbeing, and education — including visits from Combe Down Primary School.
- It produces fresh fruit and vegetables, supports mental and physical health, and fosters community connection.
- It’s already registered as an Asset of Community Value — now we need it recognised as a Local Green Space.
The Council’s Local Plan Options consultation contains a proposal to designate the site as a Local Green Space, which will help us secure its long-term future.
Your supportive comment could make all the difference. Whether you’re an allotment holder, a local resident, a parent, a walker, or someone who simply values green space, your voice matters.
Please follow these links and add your weight to the cause.
How to Submit Your Comment
- Visit https://bathnesplaces.co.uk/localplan
- Select “Resident”, enter your postcode (name/address not required), and click Submit
- Navigate to:
- Development and Management Policy
- Healthy and Vibrant Communities
- Local Green Spaces
- Additional Evidence and Update on Two Previously Rejected Nominations
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your feedback in support of Combe Down Allotments.
What You Could Say
Feel free to mention:
- How the site supports your wellbeing, walking, or food growing
- Its educational value for local children
- Its historic and environmental importance
- That it’s now an Asset of Community Value, and deserves protection as a Local Green Space
- This designation would not conflict with the future of the quarry
CONSULTATION 2.
DEADLINE 5 pm Friday 7 November.
Erica Draisey, Chair of the Bath Allotments Association, says:
After successfully receiving a grant from the Council last year, the Bath Allotments Association has been busy running Year 1 of the WatermyPlot Project. This has benefitted growers on several sites by providing discounted rainwater collection butts, free talks on sustainable growing practices and biodiversity initiatives. Our microplots have been very well received.
We want to continue the momentum and to spread the benefits further. The bid is small in comparison to some of the others, but it is wide in coverage and attracts match funding and loads of volunteer hours.
We would ask you to support this bid by casting your vote at https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/cil-funding-applications-consultation
You can vote for more than one project.
Suggested response:
I support this bid. This project has already delivered valuable educational and environmental benefits across the city’s allotments. Waiting lists are long and new housing will bring even more demand. The proposal will increase the number of plots whilst encouraging sustainable growing and increasing local food growing resilience.
For more information:
