New plot offered as allotments make way for homes (From Gazette & Herald)

New plot offered as allotments make way for homes at Outgang Lane in Malton

11:59am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News

ALLOTMENT holders are set to be moved to a new site to allow a housing development to go ahead.

Malton town councillors were told the owner of the allotments at Outgang Lane – The Archbishop Holgate Trust – would be giving notice to the town authority which runs the allotments as a result of the planned housing estate in the area.

Clerk Mike Skehan said talks had already been held between the trust, the town council and the Allotment Association and added: “These discussions have led to a scenario for transferring to a site at Crabtree Lane, to be provided by the trust.”

He told members the trust had a right to terminate the lease on the allotment land, but it was not obliged to make reparation or provide alternative land.

“It is very clear that the trust is intent on providing suitable alternative facilities,” said Mr Skehan.

He added that there may even be some cash made available to assist the tenants in moving to the new allotment site.

Mr Skehan said: “The trust is playing a very fair game. This arrangement will be the very best possible outcome.”

All tenants, with the exception of one, had said they wanted to move.

Coun David Lloyd-Williams said the trust’s actions would enable more homes to be built in the Malton area.