PLANS to slash the waiting list for allotment plots in High Wycombe have been agreed by the High Wycombe Town Committee.

An allotment review conducted by Wycombe District Council revealed there are currently 32 people waiting for a plot in the unparished areas – with an average waiting time of a year.

The findings were presented to the town committee on Tuesday, which has decided to spend a combined total of £23,000 on feasibility studies for land at Desborough Castle and Castlefield Woods.

Additional allotments could be made part of the Abbey Barn South and Terriers Farm housing developments, with committee members also agreeing to monitor the allotments waiting list.

Cllrs Roger Colomb, Julia Wassell and Trevor Snaith raised concerns about commissioning expensive studies of flat land for allotments.

Cllr Colomb called it ‘added bureaucracy’ and ‘over-egging the pudding’, while Cllr Wasssell warned of ‘squandering money’.

Officers said the studies, which would come out of special expenses, were required to ensure the land was suitable for growing food.

The council will also continue to divide 250sq metre plots in two as and when they become available in a bid to meet demand faster.

Downley Parish Council will provide 20 half plots on the Mannings Field Sports and Recreation site. It has a 20-person waiting list.

WDC’s report found that, overall, the parishes “appear to have sufficient allotments to meet their residents’ needs.”

HWTC’s decisions will be put before WDC’s Cabinet for ratification.