The Controversy Surrounding Privately-Run Allotments in the UK

Roots Allotments, co-founded in 2021 by Christian Samuel, Ed Morrison, and William Gay, emerged in response to the lengthy waiting lists for public allotments in the UK. The company aims to provide privatized allotment spaces for urban dwellers, with subscription prices ranging from £9.99 to £49.99 per month. As of October 2023, Roots has expanded to 20 sites across the UK, serving nearly 5,000 customers and raising £6 million in funding from notable investors, including Terry Leahy and Mark Selby.

The Guardian

In October 2023, a protest erupted outside a Roots site in Bristol, where demonstrators used old cars to block access to the development. The protest was part of a broader national opposition campaign against Roots, which critics accuse of aggressive expansion tactics, including starting construction before obtaining necessary planning permissions. Simon Talbot-Ponsonby, chair of the Abbots Leigh parish council, has been vocal in his opposition, claiming that Roots has shown a "total disregard for the feelings of local people."

The Guardian

The backlash against Roots has manifested in various forms, including acts of sabotage. Protesters have poured cement into locks, deflated the tires of construction vehicles, and even sowed grass seed on fresh compost deliveries. Talbot-Ponsonby noted that while he does not condone vandalism, the frustration among residents has led to such actions. Roots' founders, however, view themselves as victims of a "zealous nimby campaign," with Samuel describing the opposition as "haters."

The Guardian

Roots argues that their allotments do not require planning permission under permitted development rules, as they consider themselves agricultural. However, opponents contend that the scale of their operations, which includes shipping containers and irrigation systems, classifies them as commercial developments needing approval. Environmental campaigner Chris Packham has criticized Roots for developing on ecologically sensitive land, emphasizing that while increasing access to green spaces is important, it should not come at the expense of biodiversity.

The Guardian

Roots' pricing structure has raised concerns about accessibility, as their annual fees for a full-size plot can reach nearly £550, compared to less than £100 for similar council-run allotments. Despite not yet being profitable, Roots reported assets of £1.7 million in 2024 and plans to expand significantly, aiming for 1,000 sites and 250,000 customers by 2033. The company recently received planning permission for its Bristol site but faced challenges, including the disconnection of water supply due to unauthorized access to a farmer's trough.

The Guardian

Samuel acknowledges the arguments on both sides of the debate but insists that the demand for allotments justifies their business model. He states, “We hear every day that thousands of people want these things, and we’re not planning on stopping.” Meanwhile, Talbot-Ponsonby and other opponents continue to voice their concerns about the environmental impact and the perceived commercialization of public goods.

The Guardian

While Roots maintains that their operations are compliant with regulations, critics argue that the scale of their developments necessitates formal planning processes. The ongoing disputes highlight a significant divide between the company's expansion goals and community concerns over environmental preservation and local governance.

The Guardian

• “‘Why don’t we just build our own?’” — Christian Samuel, Co-founder of Roots

The Guardian

• “They have a total disregard for the feelings of local people,” — Simon Talbot-Ponsonby, Chair of Abbots Leigh Parish Council

The Guardian

• “But when you’re a venture capital-backed firm developing on species rich grassland, with breeding skylarks … you’re in the wrong Roots Allotments.” — Chris Packham, Environmental Campaigner

The Guardian

• “All this over growing a bunch of aubergines.” — Christian Samuel, Co-founder of Roots

The Guardian