The Duke of Northumberland has been accused of “starving” and “bullying” allotment holders from their plots in a bitter planning row.
Ralph Percy, the 12th Duke of Northumberland, lost an application last year to build 80 flats on part of his Grade I listed Syon Park estate in west London.
The duke has appealed the decision through his development company, Northumberland Estates, . claiming the Park Road allotments in Isleworth, are “no longer operational” and “offer no recreational amenity”.This is despite some locals tending plots that have been rented for almost 40 years.
Existing holders have accused the duke of attempting to push his application through by ensuring the site falls into disrepair. More than half of the 37 allotments are currently occupied.
Northumberland Estates refused to extend allotment licenses in September last year, meaning that plot-holders can be served with their notice at any point, while the company refuses to re-let empty plots once someone leaves.
Salman Shaheen, a Labour councillor for the London borough of Hounslow, said: “It’s created a siege mentality — they feel they are being starved off their plot through bullying and intimidation tactics.”
Northumberland Estates wants to build the development to help fund repairs to Syon House and gardens, which has been used to film Downton Abbey and the Netflix series Bridgerton. They say that the new development will provide more allotments for at least the next 50 years.
Hounslow council has written to the duke, who is estimated to be worth about £445m, requesting to temporarily take over the allotments.
Northumberland Estates say there is no attempt to remove anyone and reject the charge that they are allowing the area to become derelict.
