A local authority is proposing to spend £30,000 a year to boost its supply and quality of allotments and introduce higher charges for bigger plots.

Burnley Council's executive will be asked on Wednesday night to approve the new strategy following a review of provision.

It currently provides 431 of the smallholdings for residents to grown their own plants, flowers and vegetables.

The strategy includes £15,000 a year to pay for a part-time allotments officer and another £15,000 annually over five years to allow for the clearing and splitting neglected plots and other minor improvements.

The senior councillors have been recommended to approve the 'Allotment Action Plan'.

A report to the meeting says: "The review identifies that there is a shortfall in provision and recommends increasing supply by splitting larger and under-used plots and investigating the provision of additional allotments sites on existing green spaces.

"The review also makes recommendations on a stepped charging policy that will encourage tenants to consider giving up parts of larger plots, which will help to create more plots.

"Proposals on stepped charging will be brought forward when the council sets fees and charges for 2024/25.

"The review identifies the need to improve the inspection and management of allotment tenancies to ensure that they are well used and don’t cause a nuisance to other tenants and neighbours.

"It is recommended that a part-time (one to two days per week) post of allotment officer is created to undertake inspections, issue notices to cultivate, show vacant plots to prospective tenants and liaise more closely with existing tenants and associations.

"It is proposed that a revenue budget of £15,000 is allocated to fund the post for a temporary period of five years.

"To help increase the supply of allotments, the review recommends that a budget is created to enable a programme of clearing and splitting neglected plots and other minor improvements.

"A budget of £15,000 allocated in 2022/23 enabled 42 plots to be created and it is proposed that a budget of £15,000 will made available to allow this work to continue for a period of five years."