WIREDGOV

Planning permission will no longer be required for the erection of a shed or glasshouse on an allotment in Wales, under new Welsh Government plans to simplify planning rules.

An allotment is traditionally used for the growing of fresh fruit and veg produce, although in some instances may also be used for growing plants, the keeping of hens, rabbits or bees.

They are usually large areas of land divided up into smaller plots. The site is often owned by a local authority, or managed by an allotment association with the individual plots cultivated by one person or family. 

Structures such as sheds and glasshouses are commonly sited on allotments. 

Currently, in most circumstances, planning permission will be required for the erection of a shed or glasshouse. 

It is being proposed planning rules are amended to permit the erection of a shed/ glasshouse on each plot, subject to conditions limiting their size. 

To prevent the density of development increasing to unacceptable levels on allotments, it’s proposed there should be a limit of one shed/glasshouse per 125 square metres (equivalent to half a plot).

Local Government Minister, Julie James said:

Requiring planning permission for a shed or a glasshouse on an allotment, which is small in scale and has limited effects, is unnecessary. It imposes unwarranted costs on individuals and local planning authorities. 

I want the communities of the future in Wales to be places where people want to live, work and enjoy leisure activities. Providing support for community food growing and green infrastructure is essential to delivering this vision. 

Our allotments are not only great for growing our own food, they’re a wonderful example of places that create opportunities for leisure and social interaction, while also supporting healthy and active lifestyles.

I hope the changes we propose making to planning rules will allow our allotments to grow and thrive long into the future.

The proposed changes will also reduce the number of minor planning applications, allowing Local Planning Authorities to concentrate their resources on larger, more complex applications.

The consultation ends on 28th February.

Permitted development rights for allotment holders