This document is the response of the QED Allotments Group to Dartford Borough Council's Corporate Strategy Environment Plan, and to the letter dated August 17, 1999 from the Head of Policy and Economic Development addressed to the Chair of the QED Allotments Group, which asked for comments on the Plan. Our comments are as follows:
1) We welcome recognition of the role of the Quality Environment for Dartford (QED) initiative as an opportunity for Dartford Borough Council to move forward with its own Local Agenda 21 Strategy.
2) We support the mission statement proposed in the Plan.
3) We agree with the identification of the key issues, and would comment as follows:
A) Effective use of energy and other physical resources: As explained in our response to the main Corporate Strategy document, we would like the value of soils of high quality to be recognised, and especially the small, residual areas of publicly owned land in the North of the Borough which, through lack of development in the past, have maintained the original quality of their soils, and thus constitute an ideal environment for the local production of fresh fruit and vegetables by and for local people.
B) Increased recycling and effective management of waste: As explained in our response to the main Corporate Strategy document, we would like to see community composting facilities for organic wastes installed in the new residential areas scheduled for the North of the Borough. We have been active through joint initiatives with the QED Waste Management Group in recycling a variety of waste products (pallets, carpets etc.) through local allotment sites, and expect to continue this work in support of the Environment Plan.
C) Reducing levels of all forms of pollution: We have been active through our joint initiative with the QED Biodiversity Group in promoting "ecological gardening" on and off allotment sites. Some participating associations have also taken steps to control air pollution emanating from allotment sites. We expect such efforts to continue in support of the Environment Plan.
D) Promoting healthy living: Allotment gardening is about healthy exercise in the open air for people of all ages and backgrounds, and the production of fresh and nutritious fruits and vegetables. The QED Allotments Group has been active in partnership with the QED Health Group in promoting the use of allotments in the Borough as the focus for horticultural therapy projects for persons with disabilities (1), and we expect this work to continue in support of the Environment Plan.
E) Development of sustainable planning policies: We have already made comments on this matter through the consultation on the Local Plan. We welcome the proposal for measures to enhance and protect existing green space and the development of the Green Grid. We see allotments as an important form of green space, particularly within the more densely built up parts of the Borough.
F) Improving the urban environment: In our view, continuing improvements to the quality and visual amenity of local allotment sites can make an important contribution to improving the urban environment, in support of the Environment Plan.
G) Development of cultural and leisure opportunities: We agree that the provision of accessible and affordable cultural and leisure services is an essential element in the quality of life, we support the policy for allotments contained in the Council's Leisure Strategy (1994), and we look forward to the successful incorporation of "best value" principles into that Strategy, through further support for devolved management.
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(1) Richard Wiltshire, "In Focus: Dartford Road Allotments". Growth Point, Spring 1999, pp. 10-11.
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