Allotment saved from Duke's development plans

The future of a west London allotment has been secured after a decade-long dispute with the Duke of Northumberland's Estate.

Campaigners have been fighting to protect Isleworth's Park Road allotments from development since 2015, after the original lease was ended by Northumberland Estates, who wanted to develop flats on the site.

The estate has now leased the land back to Hounslow Council, who will preserve it as it is.

Labour councillor Salman Shaheen, who led efforts to lease the land, thanked the Duke of Northumberland's Estate for "engaging constructively" in discussions.

A spokesperson for Northumberland Estates said they were pleased to have made the arrangement.

"Our focus has been on finding a solution that gives clarity and stability for the local community, and we're glad this agreement delivers that.

"We look forward to working constructively with the council and local residents to support the continued use of the site."

The management of the allotments will be down to Hounslow Council for at least the next 24 years, allowing them to restore the site and re-let vacant plots, which are in very high demand.

Shaheen said the decision would "be celebrated by residents and allotment holders alike."

"Allotments bring so much joy to so many people. They are a green sanctuary, a little patch of paradise in our urban environment."

The three-acre site is part of the duke's Grade I-listed Syon Park estate and has been used as allotments since 1917.

More than 900 objections were registered when the estate put forward a planning application to build 90 flats on the site.

The proposal was rejected by Hounslow Council in 2021 on the grounds the development had the potential to harm protected local open space, heritage sites and allotments, .

The estate appealed the council's decision in 2023, but lost.

Stephen Hurton, chair of the Park Road Allotment Association said the group was "over the moon" about the final chapter in the saga.

"We look forward to continuing to grow fruit and vegetables, and welcoming new growers."

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