Backlash as Plymouth locals protest against development on allotment site

A local Plymouth allotment garden site in Coxside, recognised as a Neighbourhood Green Space in the Joint Local Plan, is under threat from redevelopment.

The local community, who wish to "return the site to community use and benefit", are preparing to object en masse. But not all PlymouthLive readers are sympathetic.

Taurus Developments has submitted a pre-application enquiry to Plymouth City Council with plans to construct three properties on the Allotment Gardens site on Teats Hill Road. The land, which has been part of the neighbourhood for over 70 years, is owned by Chris Parsonage and was previously used as allotments.

In 2018, the site was unexpectedly bulldozed, causing shock among locals. The area had been a popular attraction for visitors, appreciated by residents, and served as an important green space for wildlife. A subsequent planning application for a four-storey block of nine apartments on the site was met with more than 80 objections and was ultimately refused by the council in 2018.

RH Town Planning, representing the applicants, stated in planning documents that the area surrounding the site already contains significant amounts of publicly accessible green space, including sports and recreational facilities. They argued that Allotment Gardens, which is not publicly accessible, is no longer required for allotments or pigeon lofts due to lack of demand.

Taurus Developments has indicated its willingness to contribute towards off-site improvement works to other local green spaces, or potentially make another site it owns available for this purpose.

Commenter Doct says: “I am normally very much in favour of new housing proposals, especially in these times of great need. In this case, I am not in agreement with the plans. The Coxside environment is quite sterile with the PCH flats on one side, expensive 'luxury' flats on the other, and traditional terraced houses behind. There is a fenced play area opposite and (as yet) undeveloped green space (grass) in front of the existing development and path towards the Aquarium. Green space such as the plot under discussion is at a premium. With such a mix of tenure in the area, and a diverse socio-economic population, I'd have thought that maintaining the community space would be a more unifying option for all.”

AJGreen disagrees: “The land is usable. The land has existing infrastructure and, it appears, has room for additional homes in the area. Not a brilliant area, I admit, but time will sort that out; the flats won't remain there forever and it's prime land.”

Albertgate writes: “Here we go again, a group that wants to stop progress by growing cabbage and sprouts. Has it been checked for waste asbestos rubble? I hope so or them resident are in serious danger, maybe they should all be checked for asbestosis (They could be in for compensation if their health is bad and they have been gardening there since the last war) Bits of corrugated steel from anderson shelter, bits of steel bedframe, a galvanised fence section which looks as if it been conveniently put there until it's forgotten then by the cabbage planters. There is also some glass that's been dumped there. If nothing else that land desperately needs a sort out, it's been like it is for well over 50 years.”

Argyleman999 replies: “A group of people saying 'we're okay, we have a home, everyone else can take a hike.'”

Goldenleg69 points out: “Unfortunately its profitable progress. I'm certain if the proverbial boot was on the other foot and the residents of Teats Hill flats were property developers, they would be wanting the very same " profitable progress" ?”

Willybizz asks: “If they are so passionate about houses not being built there then why not buy the land themselves?”

EVJoe replies: “Local residents have tried to buy the land.”

Albertgate adds: “Maybe they wanted to pay in cabbages, onions, or potatoes. If they wanted to buy it that badly surely they could go through the official procedure and put an offer in?”

Do you think it is right to sacrifice the allotments for housing? Have your say in our comments section.