Luton Council’s Labour Executive members have agreed to go ahead with a project which includes building new houses on a piece of land which is listed as ‘Statutory Allotments’. Liberal Democrat leader, Councillor David Franks, says he is outraged that they should agree to go ahead with the plan without consulting the local Allotments Federation.

The site has seen significant investment by The Woodlands Trust and is currently a nature reserve much valued by the neighbouring school. It is next door to the Wigmore Lane allotments managed by the Wigmore Lane & District Gardeners Association.

“The Labour Executive claim they are only looking at the possibilities, but their decision gave the go-ahead for Council officers to look for a joint venture partner to build the houses and for the disposal of the land at below market value if necessary.” says Councillor Franks.

“Luton needs houses, no doubt about that, but deciding to go ahead on this site without even consulting Luton Allotments Federation shows astonishing arrogance. All this from a Council that claims it will consult on just about everything. It seems they only want to consult when they are confident they will get the answer they want.”

“I have asked the Chief Executive to give me an assurance that this scheme will go no further at least until a full consultation with the local Allotments Federation and the neighbouring Wigmore Gardeners Association is complete.”