There’s plenty of positive news to share as plans for Wymondham’s new allotment site move forward.

The planning application is still being processed, with Highways requesting a few minor changes. While this may add a little more time to the process, it's all part of ensuring the new site is properly planned and ready for the future.

The public consultation has now taken place, and the response has been overwhelmingly supportive. This has been fantastic to see and gives the Allotment Association plenty of reason to remain hopeful and keep those fingers firmly crossed!

We were also delighted to take part in the very first Wymondham Good Stuff Fair, which proved to be a fantastic day for the community. Our stand was busy throughout, with lots of residents stopping to find out more about the proposed new allotment site, what is planned and how they might become involved.

Once again, the feedback was all positive. Several people took information away with them so they could apply to join the waiting list for the new site — including one person who lives very close to the proposed entrance. If they do get a plot, they could well have the shortest allotment commute in Wymondham!

While we wait for the planning process to reach its next stage, the Association Committee is certainly not sitting around twiddling its thumbs. We are busy preparing for the future by updating our constitution, policies and guidelines.

A larger allotment site will bring new opportunities, but also new challenges, and we want to make sure the Association is ready to make the very best of both. Most importantly, we want the new site to be a welcoming, well-organised and thriving part of the Wymondham community.

There is more positive news too. The Council has now issued the tender documents for the infrastructure work required at the new site. By the time you read this, we are hopeful that bids for the various elements of the work will have been submitted.

We have also launched our new Wymondham Allotment Association website, providing another way for members, prospective plot-holders and local residents to keep up to date with the project and find out more about the Association.

So, while there are still a few hurdles to clear, the project continues to move in the right direction.

The support we have received from local residents has been fantastic, and we would like to thank everyone who has taken an interest, responded to the consultation, visited us at the Good Stuff Fair or simply shared their enthusiasm for the plans.

We’re looking forward to growing something really special together — and hopefully, before too long, there will be plenty of digging, planting, growing and community spirit happening on the new site!