Watford Borough Council has received confirmation from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) that he has granted consent to appropriate the Farm Terrace allotment land for the benefit of the Watford Health Campus scheme.

This upholds his original decision in May and confirms the council has overwhelmingly demonstrated reasons why the land is essential to the Watford Health Campus, particularly in terms of ensuring the scheme's economic viability and the wider public benefits of improved hospital facilities, housing (including affordable housing) and green space.

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In its revised submission to DCLG, the council also restated that the overall level of allotment provision in the town will remain the same and the 60 or so Farm Terrace allotment holders affected will be offered good quality, alternative provision within the borough – many within walking distance. The council was also able to demonstrate its on-going commitment to allotments by the current £800,000 investment plan to improve and upgrade all sites in Watford.

Dorothy Thornhill, Elected Mayor of Watford said: "I'm relieved! We've always known it's the right thing to do. It's been a hard journey to get where we are but we can now get on with sharing the exciting plans for the Health Campus with the community. I would encourage people to come along to one of the consultation events in January and see for themselves how the scheme will transform this part of the town."

(CD)