Cumbria has more than 110 allotments which could be “utilised” as sites for new homes to tackle the housing shortage, according to Searchland, a development site sourcing specialist.
Across England, the research showed that there are an estimated 4,554 allotment sites, which could facilitate the construction of around 200,000 homes with a market value of £84 billion, it said.
Mitchell Fasanya, chief executive of Searchland, said: “Allotments can play a vital role in the community, providing an outdoor space for many to socialise who may not otherwise have the chance, particularly in major urban hubs.
“So we’re certainly not suggesting that the answer to the housing crisis is to cement over the nation’s allotments. However, we do desperately need to build more homes and it’s a conversation we want to ignite, as so far the government has largely neglected to address this burning issue.
“Utilising allotments is a drastic measure and one we needn’t ever consider should the Government stop bending to the pressures of Nimbyism and the subject of building on the green belt to deliver homes on land that is more than for purpose.”
