Weston-super-Mare Town Council has met with representatives from the Weston-super-Mare Allotment Club to discuss the current situation regarding allotment tenancies held by individuals who live outside the parish boundary.

The meeting was held in a constructive spirit, with all parties recognising both the legal obligations placed on the Council under the Allotments Acts 1908–1950 and the impact of this issue on those affected.

The Council and the Allotment Club are working together to identify possible solutions within the law that could help address this complex situation fairly and transparently.

Background

Contrary to recent social media statements and press releases shared by members of the public, the Council has not changed its policy regarding allotment eligibility.

Under national legislation, allotments must be prioritised for the use of inhabitants of the parish. This is a statutory requirement, not a local policy decision.

While the Town Council is ultimately accountable for ensuring compliance with the law, the historic responsibility to apply and maintain those requirements has always rested with the Allotment Club under both the current and previous management agreements. It is recognised that there has been oversight in ensuring consistent adherence to these requirements over a number of years, and we acknowledge the oversight of both parties historically.

The Council remains legally responsible for ensuring compliance with this requirement, even where management has been delegated to the Allotment Club. Following legal advice earlier this year, the Council issued 12-month notices to tenants who live outside the parish to bring the service back into alignment with the law and ensure fairness to the 200–300 Weston-super-Mare residents currently on the waiting list for a plot.

Next Steps

The Council is taking further legal advice to explore all available options that might mitigate the impact on existing tenants while maintaining compliance with national legislation.

"We understand that this has caused real concern for some tenants, and we want to be absolutely clear that the Council is committed to finding fair and lawful solutions," said Cllr Ciaran Cronnelly, Leader of Weston-super-Mare Town Council.
"We have met with representatives from the Allotment Club and agreed to work together constructively, within the law, to see what options are available. Our aim is to be both fair to those affected and to the hundreds of Weston residents still waiting for a plot."

Any legal advice received will be reported back to the Finance & General Purposes Committee (F & GP) for consideration at its December 2025 meeting.

Commitment to Fairness and Community Wellbeing

The Council remains committed to:

  • Ensuring lawful, transparent, and fair management of allotments;
  • Supporting affected tenants and providing guidance about neighbouring parish allotment opportunities; and
  • Upholding the rights of Weston-super-Mare residents who have been waiting for plots, some for many years.

"We value the contribution of all our allotment tenants and the Allotment Club, and we're committed to managing this process respectfully, compassionately, and in full accordance with the law," added Cllr Cronnelly.

For media enquiries:
01934 632567, wsmcomms@wsm-tc.gov.uk

Issued: 06 November 2025
by: Weston-super-Mare Town Council