Pembrokeshire town and community councils could potentially take over the stewardship of local allotments, a report before county councillors proposes.

In a report for members Pembrokeshire County Council’s services overview and scrutiny committee, ahead of its November meeting, members are asked to scrutinise the council’s current allotment service, including “the potential benefits of increased local involvement in their future stewardship”.

A report for members says the council currently owns 25 allotment sites across the county managed centrally by the authority, with support from local volunteers and associations where available.

Maintenance is subsidised and includes grounds upkeep, infrastructure repairs, and administrative oversight, with fees currently £32 per year.

It says waiting lists are long, with 613 names currently waiting an average of five years for a plot to become available, with resource constraints limiting the ability to respond quickly to site-specific needs, and some sites requiring significant investment to remain viable and attractive to users.

On the potential of local stewardship, it says: “Town and parish councils are well-placed to understand and respond to local needs. Local management could improve responsiveness, increase community ownership, and unlock external funding opportunities.

“Several local councils have expressed interest in taking on allotment responsibilities, supported by positive feedback from allotment holders.”

It adds: “The authority’s 25 allotment sites represent a valuable community asset. While current management ensures their continued availability, there is growing evidence that localised stewardship could enhance their sustainability, responsiveness, and community benefit.

“The committee is invited to consider the merits of exploring a phased transfer of management responsibilities to town and parish councils.”

Back at the March committee meeting, leader of the independent group Cllr Huw Murphy asked for greater allotment provision in the county, comparing Pembrokeshire’s charge of £32 per allotment against Ceredigion’s £60 and Birmingham’s £200.

“We should be promoting allotments and making more land available,” held told committee members, saying that, in his own area, Dinas has allotments, but the town of Newport does not.

He was supported by Pembroke Dock councillor Tony Wilcox, who said a recent allocation of six allotments in his area “could’ve been got rid of five or six times over”.

In Pembroke, a recent application by the town council for 20 allotments was given the go-ahead by planners back in February using a disused play area.