Campaigners are pressing City Hall to introduce a London-wide 'Right to Grow' framework, empowering communities to transform underutilised public land into food gardens. The initiative seeks to standardise an approach already adopted by several boroughs, including Hounslow, Southwark, and Hackney, where disused plots have been successfully converted into allotments, community gardens, and orchards. The Greater London Authority (GLA) is now being urged to develop a consistent model that all 32 boroughs and the City of London can implement.
A new report from the London People's Assembly on Food, Nature and the Right to Grow outlines twelve key demands to make the capital "greener and more edible" by 2035. These proposals include establishing dedicated community growing officers in every borough and integrating food growing into future health and planning strategies. Proponents argue that such a framework would be an "easy win" for City Hall, addressing both environmental and social needs.
The call for action comes amidst overwhelming demand for growing spaces in London. According to a 2023 Freedom of Information request published by Greenpeace, at least 30,500 Londoners are currently on allotment waiting lists, with 16 boroughs closed to new applicants. In some areas, such as Camden, waiting times can extend up to 12 years, while Islington has only 106 allotment plots available for approximately 17,000 households without garden access. Campaigners highlight that London currently imports 94% of its food, emphasising the need to strengthen local food security and biodiversity.
Kalpana Arias, a key figure behind the Right to Grow Campaign, stated that implementing this policy within the GLA's food and housing policies would simplify the process for boroughs to adopt the framework. She stressed the importance of institutional support to remove existing red tape and match the ambition of communities. While acknowledging that London will never be entirely food independent, the campaign aims to significantly increase local food production and awareness.
Deputy Mayor for Environment, Mete Coban, affirmed City Hall's commitment to increasing access to green spaces, describing it as a "matter of social and environmental justice." He highlighted existing initiatives, including the planting of 640,000 trees and the Mayor's £12 million Green Roots Fund, which empowers communities to transform local areas. However, City Hall has not yet confirmed whether it will proceed with drawing up a formal Right to Grow framework, leaving the immediate future of a standardised policy uncertain.