32 new allotments to be created in Gamesley

Councillors have given the green light to the creation of 32 allotments in Gamesley.

A 0.5 hectare site on Melandra Castle Road, which has previously been used as rough grazing land, will be converted into an allotment site, with a new parking area for ten vehicles, after the application was approved by members of High Peak Borough Council’s Development Control Committee at a meeting on Monday.

The land is currently owned by the council, and as well as the allotments, there will also be an orchard on the site, the meeting heard.

Mark Alix, of Glossopdale Action for Allotments, said: “The benefits to the health of individuals and communities from allotments has been well documented as well as the potential economic, social and environmental benefits offered.”

Cllr Graham Oakley said: “When I moved to Glossop there was one very small site with a couple of allotments on it for a population of 30,000 people so it has been a disgrace.

“I’m very pleased this council and the last council have been working towards addressing these problems and taking it seriously.”