Sir, – In 2007, the Scotton Allotments Association was formed by parishioners to meet a genuine need for allotments.

The majority of parishioners asked though that unused parish land next to the village hall was a good location for allotments.

The idea was also seen as a chance to rebuild a community spirit lacking in recent years, as well as generating money for the parish via rent.

The chairman of Scotton Parish Council herself had invited suggestions for uses for this site during a parish meeting.

The Scotton Allotments Association approached the parish council, and following advice from a current Richmondshire District Council development management officer, drew up plans, paid a non-returnable planning fee (£240 approximately) and submitted them to the relevant authorities.

As well as allotments the plans including parking, leisure and disabled facilities.

Scotton Parish Council objected to the proposal but no parishioners did.

On November 13, 2007, the Scotton Allotments Association was granted planning permission for the allotments. A formal letter from the SAA secretary was sent to the parish council requesting permission to begin, this letter has never been answered. Why?

The April 2008 Scotton parish newsletter, in a U-turn, announced that “after listening to all suggestions” (we were never aware of any other suggestions) that the parish council was applying for planning permission for a smaller number of allotments on the same land. Why?

Questions put to the council to justify the spending of £265 on a planning fee already paid, on a site already with full planning permission have been ignored and remain unanswered.

Why?

One parishioner who during a parish council meeting asked if this duplication was a good use of parish time and money was told to “sit down and shut up, as it did not concern her”.

Who does it concern then? If Scotton Parish Council thinks this is acceptable it does not deserve to represent us. If councillors do not listen to us, who are they representing?

In the week of September 8 planning response forms were sent out asking for comments on the parish council’s planning proposal. It is time to have your say.

JULIE LAMBERT Clerk to the Scotton Allotment Association, on behalf of the members of the association Scotton, Catterick Garrison.