The health benefits of allotments

9.14.00am GMT Tue 19th Dec 2006

At the debate on the Select Report on Tackling Obesity, Margaret Featherstone Lib Dem Councillor for Maidstone North East highlighted a gap in the report of the benefits of allotments. A number of the recommendations focused on organised sports. "But," said Mrs Featherstone "what about people to whom organised sport does not appeal? Other leisure interests need to be included, and can make a valuable contribution, and gardening is one of the most popular".

Allotments could help fight obesity

She suggested that the provision of allotments contributes significantly to the promotion of good health by eating fresh fruit and vegetables and a reduction in obesity - and pointed out that, with the increased number of large gardens being sold for development, higher housing densities with smaller gardens and a big increase in the number of flats, the provision of community gardening space was of increased importance. Allotment gardens are enjoying a revival with the interest in fresh produce and TV programmes on gardening and cooking.

"Currently", said Margaret, "local Councils provide allotments in established areas. But what about Thames Gateway and other future housing developments? Who will provide allotments there once the houses are built?" She urged the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Chairman to consider the inclusion of allotment provision under recommendation 1 of the report.

Tacking Obesity - Recommendation1: All future developments in Kent should be required by planning authorities to make provision for healthy lifestyles - including adequate footpaths and cycle paths, and sports and leisure facilities.