Gardens at risk, says society

The National Society for Allotments and Leisure Gardeners has warned that there is a danger that garden space in inner cities will dwindle due to its classification as brownfield.

Assistant to the national secretary of the society Claire Willis said: "Obviously it's easier to get planning permission to build on gardens than it is to build on a green field site," because of this classification.

This was unlike allotments, which are protected in law, she stated.

Ms Willis added that "One of these days we are going to lose all the greenery in our cities."

The loss of space around homes in cities may mean a reduction in the prospects for homebuyers of finding a house with a good garden.

Self build is one obvious way to ensure such an outdoor space is provided.

Garden Organic has warned that under the current rules on gardens an area equivalent to 2,755 Wembley Stadium pitches will be lost by 2016.


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