‘Draconian’ management of St Ann’s allotments condemned after series of evictions

A number of people have spoken out at what some describe as ‘draconian’ management of the historic allotments in St Ann’s following a series of alleged unfair evictions by the company which runs the site.

Hungerhill Developments Limited (HDL) currently leases the site in St Ann’s from Nottingham City Council, and runs 670 allotment gardens spread across three plots known as Hungerhill Gardens, Stonepit Coppice and Gorsey Close.

The company, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Renewal Trust charity, was incorporated in 2007 and took over the running of the Grade II listed allotments in 2008.

Some allotment owners, however, claim the site has been mismanaged. HDL denies evicting people unfairly and says it treats complaints seriously. It adds it has welcomed 46 new tenants this year while also introducing 20 new plots.

Two former plot owners, Gisella Sobarasua and Fabian Francis, say they have both been evicted on unfair grounds. The Local Democracy Reporting Service met eight people at the allotment gardens, with most asking to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions for speaking out.

Gisella Sobarasua, who was evicted in July last year, said: “It has been so mentally and physically draining.

“It has taken all the pleasure out in regards to the allotments. On mere allegations they can evict people, there is no process in place.

“Everything I had done, my fish in the pond are dead, my crops are all gone. They just cut off my padlock so I could not get in any more.” The 61-year-old says she had been accused of fly-tipping rubbish, but said she had arranged for this to be collected by allotments staff.

She had also been accused of aggressive behaviour, but denies these allegations.

Following the allegations which led to her eviction, she raised issue with the lack of a clear appeals process for those who have been evicted, and says she was not given a right of reply. Another allotment owner, who asked not to be named for fear it may lead to his eviction, said: “It is draconian management.

“We feel they are trying to force the old lot out, because we speak up for ourselves.”

Others said they were concerned the allotments site is heading on a similar trajectory as the Victoria Centre Market, which the council has proposed to close. Established in the 1830s, the site remains one of the oldest and largest collections of Victorian detached town gardens in the UK and Europe, with plots spread over 75 acres.

Over the last 10 years much of the site has been restored, including the building of an allotment centre in 2013 at a cost of £321,000.

Roughly £4.5 million has been invested in the site with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, East Midlands Development Agency, European Regional Development Fund and the city council. HDL has a lease with Nottingham City Council lasting a period of 30 years.

Former council leader Jon Collins had sat as a director of HDL up until his appointment was terminated in March last year. A number of current councillors and Labour members sit on the Renewal Trust board as trustees, including Cllr Leslie Ayoola and Cllr Neghat Khan.

While Nottingham City Council declined to comment on the ongoing issues, the Local Democracy Reporting Service has seen a letter written by current leader Cllr David Mellen (Lab), which raised the case of Fabian Francis to allotments manager Nicola Hinton in September last year.

There had been questions over the size of a shed Mr Francis had erected on his plot, but in the letter Cllr Mellen states correspondence from management did not specifically ask him to remove it and said he could continue with his tenancy.

Then, management was due to pay a visit to Mr Francis’ plot on February 23 last year to make a final decision on his tenancy.

Correspondence clearly stated judgement would be reserved until this time. Cllr Mellen says “natural justice” would suggest Mr Francis should also be present at the time of the visit.

Instead management visited his plot earlier than planned on February 21, in his absence, and this had not been communicated to Mr Francis. In the letter Cllr Mellen said: “On these grounds, I would ask that Fabian’s tenancy be reinstated.”

His tenancy is yet to be reinstated.

In a statement The Renewal Trust said: “All complaints in relation to St Ann’s Allotments, Hungerhill Developments Ltd, The Renewal Trust and any employees of these organisations are treated seriously and dealt with appropriately, balancing the rights of all the allotment holders and the wider community.

“We are unable to comment on individual cases. However, any allegations of unfair eviction are denied and we are delighted to welcome 46 new tenants this year and to introduce 20 new starter plots which has improved access for local people.”