Historic allotments in Leeds village will be protected after plea
An historic allotments site at a Leeds village will have protected status after a successful nomination by a community group.
Victory Garden Allotments in Rawdon will be included on the council’s list of Assets of Community Value (ACVs).
It means community groups would have the right to bid for the site, which has been open for more than 100 years, if it was put up for sale.
ACV status is designed to protect land and buildings known to promote the health and well-being of communities.
A Leeds City Council report said: “The site provides a means for the local community to participate in a very healthy recreational activity and is available to a wide variety of residents within the community.
“It caters for people from all walks of life, helping to create community cohesion. lt has several open days with access for residents and the wider public.”
The allotments were covenanted to the people of Rawdon in 1919 by Sir Arthur Godwin, the then Mayor of Bradford.
Victory Garden Allotments Ltd made a nomination for the council-owned site after its ACV status, previously granted in 2012, expired.
The listing means that if the site was put on the market, a sale would be suspended for a six-month “community right to bid” period.
The report said “During this time the community interest group may coordinate and submit a bid to acquire the land or property.
“However, the landowner is free to dispose of the property at the end of the six-month period to whomsoever they s