Issue - meetings

This report provides the Executive with an overview of Brent’s Food Growing and Allotments Strategy. The strategy proposes a unified approach to the development of food growing provision in the borough. The strategy was produced following a comprehensive consultation process and sets out a clear vision, set of objectives and action plan for food growing and allotment provision in Brent.

(i)         that the findings of the strategy be noted and agreement given to its vision to “provide a range of food growing opportunities accessible to all parts of the community and to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle within a greener borough”

(ii)        that agreement be given to the three inter linked objectives which have been formed to deliver the vision of the strategy, as set out in paragraphs 3.15 to 3.17 of the report from the Director of Environment and Culture;

(iii)       that approval be given to the action plan to deliver the strategy attached as Appendix 4 to the Director’s report.

Councillor Powney (Lead Member, Environment and Neighbourhoods) introduced the report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services which proposed a unified approach to the development of food growing provision in the borough. Councillor Powney emphasised the value of people growing their own food and drew members’ attention to the strategy document and also the action plan circulated as appendices to the report.

Councillor Lorber (Leader of the Opposition) sought clarification of the allotments sites affected by the strategy and also the future of Elms Gardens Allotments. The Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services advised that one of the disused allotment sites referred to in the report was near the Vale Farm Sports Centre and Councillor Lorber was advised that discussions with residents on the future of Elms Gardens allotments were being led by the Regeneration and Major Projects department and would be announced once finalised.

RESOLVED:-

(i)         that the findings of the strategy be noted and agreement given to its vision to “provide a range of food growing opportunities accessible to all parts of the community and to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle within a greener borough”;

(ii)        that agreement be given to the three inter linked objectives which have been formed to deliver the vision of the strategy, as set out in paragraphs 3.15 to 3.17 of the report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services;

(iii)       that approval be given to the action plan to deliver the strategy attached as Appendix 4 to the Director’s report.

Councillor Crane declared a personal interest in the report as an allotment holder.