CUDDINGTON and Sandiway residents who’ve been waiting more than a decade for new allotments have finally got what they’ve been hoping for. 

The new veg plots have been in the pipeline since housing developer, Taylor Wimpey, applied for planning permission from Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) for its Eden Grange development off Warrington Road in 2011.

At the time, Cuddington Parish Council requested the developer put land aside for allotments as a condition of planning permission being granted.

When CWAC granted the permission in April 2012, it included 34 allotment plots, to be provided by the developer, just to the south of the Eden Grange estate.

Taylor Wimpey had promised to deliver the allotments by the end of 2018, however by March 2019, they had still not materialised, despite all the new houses being built and sold, and the site office being packed up.

However, the developer finally delivered on its promise at the end summer this year, much to the joy of the village’s frustrated vegetable growers. The parish council allowed them to take over their assigned plots straight away. 

On Wednesday, October 25, Cuddington Parish Council announced it will be exchanging contracts with the Cuddington and Sandiway Allotment Association at the parish council meeting on Monday, November 20, which marks the official opening of the site.

The council have also provided the association with a start-up grant to help get the project off to the best possible start.

Julie Chimes, clerk to Cuddington Parish Council, said: "They certainly have been a long time in coming.

“There’s been an official allotment waiting list on the council’s files since 2005, however for a long time, we were unable to offer any suitable land.

"Now in 2023, the contracts have finally been exchanged with Cuddington and Sandiway Allotment Association, who will be managing it, which marks the official opening of the new allotments.

“The plots are for residents living within Cuddington, Sandiway and Delamere Park, and will give them the opportunity to grow healthy, fresh food, while benefiting from fresh air and exercise.

“This can provide a huge boost to mental well-being.

“Plot holders will tell you time spent on their plots sowing, weeding, and nurturing plants makes them feel calmer and less anxious.”

There is now a shorter waiting list for would-be plot holders, according to Julie, and applicants are encouraged to contact Cuddington and Sandiway Allotment Association.

Julie added: “We’d like to thank the companies who have very kindly donated goods and services to the project, including Travis Perkins, FRS Landscapes, Northwich Tree Surgery, Henkel, and Taylor Wimpey.”