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Save Combe Down Allotment
Dear Combe Down neighbours,
We have some very encouraging news about our allotments.
The Council has now formally confirmed that it is pursuing the acquisition of the Combe Down allotments site, with the intention of offering new allotment tenancies/licences if the acquisition is successful. This is a significant step forward for our campaign.
To help keep the momentum going, we now need your support.
Please email: CAM@bathnes.gov.uk
By: Friday 10 July
Subject: Combe Down Allotments Q1
Every email will help demonstrate the strong local demand for allotments in Combe Down.
Back in February, the Save Combe Down Allotments/Friends of Combe Down Allotments campaign asked local residents to register their interest in having an allotment through the Council's online form. We were delighted by the fantastic response—thank you to everyone who took part.
As the acquisition process continues, the Council has reached a stage where in order to continue, had asked us to demonstrate the current level of local demand.
If you would be interested in having an allotment in Combe Down—whether you registered your interest previously or are doing so for the first time—please email CAM@bathnes.gov.uk by Friday 10 July, quoting "Combe Down Allotments Q1" in the subject line or body of your email.
This is not a commitment to taking on an allotment. It is simply a way of showing the Council that there is strong and continuing community demand for allotments in Combe Down.
Please spare a couple of minutes to add your voice. Every email counts, and the more people who respond, the stronger the case for securing this valuable community asset.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can help ensure that Combe Down retains its allotments for future generations.
Designation as Asset of Community Value
The Friends of Combe Down Allotments group was formed when the threat first became apparent. The TFoCDA have successfully achieved the designation of the site as an Asset of Community Value, which gives the community the right to buy the site should the owner decide to sell or lease it. The TFoCDA are in the process of forming a community interest company (CIC) in readiness to carry out a purchase. By creating an incorporated company, the company can own property and enter into contracts in its own right, raise and apply for funding that will allow the community to be proactive in buying the land. It is proposed to call this group “Combe Down (Bath) Allotments Community Interest Company Limited” or CD (Bath) Allotments CIC Ltd. A Community Interest Company (CIC) has an “Asset Lock” that cannot be removed. The Asset Lock is designed to ensure that the assets of the CIC including any monies are used for the benefit of the community. Governance would be by both Companies House & CIC Regulator.
In addition there has been a proactive local campaign on social media. A petition has been launched and over 5,000 people have signed so far.
Sign the petition below.
Local Green Space
The Bath Allotments Association has made a submission to draft a new ‘Local Plan’ for designation of the site as a Local Green Space. This would bring the status of the site in line with the majority of the other sites in Bath, which have enjoyed this high level of protection since 2015. The BAA are currently in discussion with the Councillors and officers due to delays in the progress of the New Local Plan caused by the significant mandatory increase in housing numbers.
Other Information
Take a look at drone footage of the Combe Down Allotments here.
Read about the full and fascinating history of the site by a local historian here.
In 2024, SCDA and Combe Down Heritage Society embarked on a Combe Down history projects with students at Bath Spa University. The students recorded and collected oral histories of residents about the
Combe Down allotments.
Listen to four short audio interview Podcasts on the Combe Down Heritage website. Feel free to share, available at the following links: -
Combe Down allotments podcasts – Episode 1 |
Combe Down allotments podcasts – Episode 2 |
Combe Down allotments podcasts – Episode 3 |
