THE VACANT former Middlesex Hospital site in Londons West End could be temporarily turned into allotments for local residents while its owner, the Icelandic bank Kaupthing, thrashes out negotiations with development partner Stanhope.

Kaupthing said it is considering a request from Rebecca Hossack, a Conservative councillor for Camden, to use the site as an allotment.

The site was to have been developed in a joint venture with Christian Candy’s CPC Group, which won planning permission for a mixed-use scheme to be known as Noho Square. However, this joint venture has now collapsed and the site could stand empty for up to two years while new plans are drawn up. Plenty of time, in other words, to put down the potatoes and cabbage.

Mike Samuels, head of Kaupthings real estate team, isn't saying no, he told the London Evening Standard: "We would like to help them with this if we can. There is a question of insurance and liabilities, but if these problems can be overcome, they may well be able to use the site."