More allotments needed, say Greens

By Chris Caulfield, Local Democracy Reporter, Mon 12 Jan 2026

Green members of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council say residents are sitting on waiting lists for years due to a chronic shortage of allotments.

Across the borough there are 24 sites set aside for would-be Monty Dons -for a total of 1,210 plots – but the queue to get one is at about 900 people long.

The Green group say this has led to an average waiting time of more than six years, and that the council should look to “actively provide more allotments” otherwise the only things that will grow is the waitlist.

The council said it was aware of the benefits allotments bring to the area, which is why it has more than any other district or borough in Surrey – but the challenges of creating more were plentiful.

Councillor Paul Chandler (Green, South Park and Woodhatch) said: “When the number of households waiting for an allotment is approaching the total number of allotments that exist, it is time to actively provide more allotments, or the list will just keep on getting longer.

“In some areas there are real shortages. We must address our ‘allotment deserts’ and provide new allotment plots, including as part of new developments such as the one recently approved off Sandcross Lane, where there is ample space.”

He said he was disappointed the council has so far evaded his request for more sites, adding: “When I asked whether RBBC plans to create more sites, the reply was ambiguous, to say the least: ‘as soon as sites become available we will let you know’. 

“This is not good enough: the residents of this borough, especially those who don’t have their own gardens, deserve the opportunity to grow their own vegetables, for the well-known health, social and economic benefits allotmenteering brings.”

Cllr Nadean Moses (Conservative), executive member for green spaces and environmental sustainability, said they understood and valued the health, social and environmental benefits that allotments bring, and were working to ensure existing plots are well used and re-allocated as quickly as possible.

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Reigate & Banstead Borough Council manages 24 allotment sites and 1,210 plots, which is more than any other district or borough in Surrey. 

“That said, there is a high demand for allotments, which is not unique to Reigate and Banstead, and this outstrips availability nationwide.

“The numbers on our allotment waiting lists change daily, but as of today, there are 79 vacant plots in the process of being let and there are 884 households on our waiting list. 

“In the last three years, 437 plots have become available and our average wait times range from six months to two-and-a-half years, depending on the site.

 “With suitable land in short supply and subject to multiple competing pressures, creating new sites is not straightforward.”

She said the issue was made more complicated as large parts of the borough are designated as Common Land, Sites of Special Scientific Interest or Local Nature Reserves, restricting development of any kind.

She added: ““However, where opportunities genuinely exist, this council acts.

“I am delighted that the first of two new allotment sites at Westvale Park has now been completed and will be available shortly for local residents. 

“These sites are being delivered through a Section 106 agreement, reflecting our proactive approach to working with developers.

 “Our planning policy already requires allotment provision on developments of 830 or more new homes, and our greenspaces strategy clearly recognises the vital role parks, open spaces and allotments play in residents’ quality of life and environmental sustainability. 

“We will continue to manage and expand allotment provision responsibly, based on evidence and deliverability.”

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