In 2013, Eastleigh Borough Council approved 85 homes at the top of Church Road, Bishopstoke against the wishes of local residents. To appease residents they promised 1.2 hectares to be used for allotments, a community orchard and leisure use. The houses were built and the orchard and allotment sites completed, but they remain closed and unavailable.

Those of us that bought the new houses 8 years ago, were shown the picturesque allotment location when viewing the properties and were able to put our names down on the waiting list for the allotments when buying our houses.

The nearest Jockey Lane allotment site has a 3 year waiting list. There is obvious demand for allotments in this area of Bishopstoke.

Bishopstoke parish council in particular have been reluctant to take on this site. From the outset they have looked for any small detail and exaggerated it. One example is the fence that is not deer and rabbit proof, but could be adapted as is done at allotments and gardens nationwide. The parish council says a new fence needs erecting at huge cost, rather than attaching wire fencing to the good wooden fence already erected.

The Parish Council also say the soil quality is poor and top soil is too shallow. However, on inspection of the soil reports from 2022 only 1 of 12 sites had shallow top soil and this was at the edge of the site.  This report said the soil at the site was sandy loam, perfect for an allotment. The report suggested that when allotment holders added compost that would be all that would required and no extra topsoil was required. The parish council insist it will cost thousands to add topsoil.

 The land must be used for allotments, as promised, not lost to housing or vague "community benefit" schemes.

Residents of Bishopstoke have waited long enough. Please sign this petition to hold Bishopstoke Parish Council responsible.