Allotment service frequently asked questions

• How big is an allotment?
• How much does an allotment cost?
• How many people are currently on the waiting list?
• How can I apply for an allotment?
• Which allotment garden will I be allocated?
• How long will I have to wait for?
• How can I look at the plot I have been offered?
• I want to accept a plot offer – what should I do?
• I am not happy with the allotment I have been offered – can I reject it?
• The plot I have been offered is not in good condition. Will you clear it?
• I have missed the 14 day deadline for responding to my offer, what should I do?
• Can I share my allotment with someone else?
• When do I pay for the allotment?
• I want to erect a shed/greenhouse, what is the procedure for this?
• I want to establish fruit trees/bushes, what is the procedure for this?
• Should I be organic?
• Can I keep chickens on my allotment?
• How do I join an association?
• I am struggling with my allotment – what help is there?
• The site has been broken into/my plot has been vandalised. What should I do?
• I have lost my key to the site, what do I need to do?
• Is it ok to have bonfires?
• Can I take my dog to the allotment?
• I want to give my allotment up, can I pass it on to a family member or friend?
• I am moving house; can I transfer over to an allotment garden closer to my new home?

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General enquiries

How big is an allotment?

Due to extremely high demand for allotments, we are currently able to offer half plots to new applicants. This will be anything up to 179m².

How much does an allotment cost?

The rent charge for half plot is £15.50 per annum. Water charges are split equally between all tenants on each site; this charge varies according to tenant usage, but is normally no more than £15 per year. There is also a one off, non-refundable charge of £5 for a site key.

How many people are currently on the waiting list?

Over all 33 sites, we currently have approximately 1200 people waiting.

Application enquiries

How can I apply for an allotment?

You can apply by calling our office on 01752 606034 or you can complete our allotment request form online.

Which allotment garden will I be allocated?

If you do not specify a particular site then we will put you onto the waiting list for a site closest to your home. However, you will still be considered for other allotments in your area.

How long will I have to wait for?

We do currently have long waiting times for allotments, however it is impossible to give a definite answer as it depends on turnover rates on the site you have requested.

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Plot offer enquiries

How can I look at the plot I have been offered?

If you go along to the site then you can ask someone to let you in so you can see the plot, just take your offer letter down with you. The weekend is usually a good time to go down as there will usually be someone around. Alternatively, ring the office and the allotments officer will be happy to show you around.

I want to accept a plot offer - what should I do?

Please return the yellow form enclosed with the offer to the office.

I am not happy with the allotment I have been offered - can I reject it?

Yes. If you do not want an allotment that we have offered you then please call our office and we will put you back onto the top of the waiting list.

The plot I have been offered is not in good condition. Will you clear it?

When we send you a plot offer we will also send you a maintenance requirements form. This gives you the option to ask for your plot to be strimmed, have items left by the previous tenant removed and have trees or shrubs cut back. This is free of charge.

I have missed the 14 day deadline for responding to my offer, what should I do?

If someone does not respond to a plot offer within the 14 day deadline, we will assume that they are no longer interested in having an allotment and will re-offer that plot to someone else. If you have accidentally missed the deadline then please call the office and we will put you back onto the waiting list for the next plot that becomes available.

Can I share my allotment with someone else?

Yes. You can share your allotment with other people but you must tell us when you accept an offer, this includes if you want to share with your partner. This is important as if you were to give up your allotment and someone who is helping you is not a named tenant, then they will not be able to keep using the plot.

When do I pay for the allotment?

Your rent and water will be payable in September each year when an invoice will be sent out to you. Your first invoice will be calculated from your start date to the end of August. This will also include your key charge and water rates.

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Tenant enquiries

I want to erect a shed/greenhouse, what is the procedure for this?

You must ask permission from the Allotments Officer. Please complete the blue form that is enclosed in your welcome pack and send it into the office. If you no longer have this then please send a letter in specifying what you wish to do and complete a thumbnail sketch to show the proposed location of the structure on your plot. The structure must not be bigger than 1.5 x 2 metres. We do not recommend glass due to vandalism. All structures must be clearly marked with a plot number and be kept in good condition and not placed on permanent foundations.

I want to establish fruit trees/bushes, what is the procedure for this?

As above, you must apply for permission from the Allotments Officer. Please fill in the blue form in the welcome pack or send in a letter, completing a thumbnail sketch to show the proposed location on your plot of the trees/bushes. The trees/bushes must not shade neighbouring plots or obstruct paths. Trees must be dwarfing roof stock and be located in the centre of your plot.

Should I be organic?

Ultimately this is your decision, however we do recommend being organic.

Can I keep chickens on my allotment?

Having chickens is a large commitment. If you wish to keep chickens you must have kept your allotment in excellent condition for at least a year and you must ask for permission.

How do I join an association?

Please see the document below for the list of associations and their contact details.

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I am struggling with my allotment - what help is there?

The best thing to do is to join your nearest association as they will be able to give you help and advice. Local libraries also contain allotment guide books which you may find useful.

The site has been broken into/my plot has been vandalised. What should I do?

You need to call the police to report the crime on 101. It is important that you do this so that they can keep a record of any vandalism and help to minimise it happening in the future. Please also call the office to report it.

I have lost my key to the site, what do I need to do?

You can obtain another one by coming into the office. You will be charged £5 per replacement key which will be added to your next invoice.

Is it ok to have bonfires?

Bonfires cause a whole host of problems including air pollution, health and safety risks and annoyance to residents in the surrounding area. We suggest that instead of burning your waste you compost it. Advice on composting is included in your welcome pack.

Can I take my dog to the allotment?

Yes, however as your tenancy agreement states, you must keep them under control and supervised at all times and they must always be on a leash. It is also your responsibility to clear up any dog mess left by your dog.

I want to give my allotment up, can I pass it on to a family member or friend?

No. If you wish to give your allotment up then it will be offered to the next person on the waiting list. If we discover that someone else is working a plot registered to you then we will take the allotment back and offer it to the waiting list.

I am moving house; can I transfer over to an allotment garden closer to my new home?

Yes. Please call the office to let us know of your new address and we will transfer you to the top of the waiting list for the closest site to your new home.

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