The New Planning Bill Is Coming For Our Green Spaces-But Could It Be Impacting Our Allotments Too?

Do Not Touch Our Allotments Havering’s Green Space Under Pressure.

Havering has a total of 26 council-run allotment sites, spread from Harold Wood to Romford, Hornchurch, Rainham, South Hornchurch, Collier Row, Upminster, and Emerson Park. These include well‑known community gems like the Bretons Farm and Melville Road allotments—where a newly built social shelter supports public gardening and training projects.

What is important to note right now-is the vital contribution these allotments have on our community. Not only are they important green spaces, but they equally provide the community with home grown produce.

However, what Havering lacks is transparency on exactly how many plots are on each site, what the total availability is, and how long the waiting lists are. Across London, there are approximately 737 allotment sites with 20,786 plots, and Havering alone contributes 26 to that total. But detailed data on Havering’s plots and waiting times is absent from public records.

On average, London sees 4,300+ people waiting for plots and national waiting periods of 3 years, Reddit user feedback echoes frustration: one reported 295 on a list for 132 plots.

In Havering, local Societies like Romford Smallholders rent plots from 76 to 280 sqm, costing £16–55 per year. Meanwhile, Melville Road Allotment—the largest site at nearly 40 acres—has over 1,000 members across nearly 40 acres, and recently added an accessible shelter built with council and developer support.

Despite this vibrant community spirit, demand still appears to outweigh supply. With just 26 sites serving tens of thousands of residents, lengthy waits are inevitable—coupled with a lack of published plot counts or waitlist lengths.

Havering has a strong allotment tradition—26 sites with active communities, project funding, and social value. But we don’t know how many plots are available, how many people are waiting, or how long they’re waiting. These allotments provide a vital area for so many members of our community. They also provide vital produce that is sold to the local community or given to endless charities.

Do Not Touch Our Allotments!

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