Sarah Champion MP urges the Government to provide more ‘Space to Grow’ under Labour’s planning reforms

Sarah Champion, Member of Parliament for Rotherham, called on the Government to provide more ‘Space to Grow’ in this week’s Parliamentary debate on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. 

As part of her campaign with the Royal Horticultural Society, National Allotment Society, Horticultural Trade Association and members of the National Community Garden Network, Champion urged the Government to adopt her legal change and provide more land for allotments and community gardens. 

For the 8 million people in the UK who have no garden at home, and the near 160,000 people on allotment waiting lists, these green spaces represent vital lifelines to nature. 

In her speech, Sarah referred to a letter she had received from the Minister for Housing, which said her proposed legal change was “not necessary” as there was “nothing preventing” local authorities from including these policies in their spatial development strategies.   

In response, Sarah Champion MP said: 

“A person’s ‘space to grow’ should not be dependent on their postcode, or the whim of their council. Especially when 60% of the loss in allotment land in the last 75 years has been 8 times greater in deprived communities.” 

“Small-scale growing projects are proven to reduce stress, improve mood, reduce loneliness and support overall well-being through light physical exercise. They supercharge biodiversity, and could be our secret weapon in the midst of a climate crisis. I urge the Government to reconsider, and champion these biodiversity super-hubs!” 

ENDS. 

Notes to editors:

• Champion’s Amendment 91 had 15 sponsors

• Champion withdrew the amendment but intends to campaign on this in the Lords