PLANS to create allotments on Canvey have stalled due to council red tape.

The land at Linden Way is owned by Castle Point Council and was due to be turned into plots by the Big Local Lottery Committee and Canvey Town Council.

However, the scheme has been delayed, despite a big waiting list for plots.

John Anderson, councillor for Canvey central, said: “It’s frustrating as there’s a waiting list of about 60 to 70 people.

“The committee had approval for this project more than three months ago at a cabinet meeting, and nothing seems to be happening. Castle Point is making it clear that cutbacks and savings are key at the moment and what concerns me is that, despite the cabinet approving it, the council’s legal team is slow in looking at it. The council, perhaps, is looking to sell the land as a whole to raise more funds.”

Mr Anderson added that the lottery committee and the town council were not in a position to purchase the land.

A Castle Point Council spokeswoman said the lengthy planning process was preventing the scheme going ahead.

She added: “The cabinet has agreed in principle to dispose of the part of the land at Linden Way to the town council, which would allow the Big Lottery Allotment project to go ahead.

“Both the councils have agreed a valuation of the land should be obtained to inform negotiations between the councils, and are waiting for this advice, which is only one of a number of steps required before the proposal could proceed.”