Allotments are back in demand and in some places, demand is exceeding supply. Where a local council is of the opinion that there is a demand for allotments, it has a duty to provide a sufficient number to persons resident in the parish (section 23 of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908). Of course, it is never as straightforward as that. What number of allotments is ‘sufficient’? How do you weigh up ‘demand’? Does it matter whether or not you think it is a passing trend or a long-term revival of interest? Sometimes it is helpful to talk through the options with a lawyer who understands local councils and understands allotments law.