Allotment general information

Rents

Rents are currently set at £27.93 for a full plot for one year. Half size plots are £13.97 a year.

Invoices for rent and water are sent out annually for one year in advance every September. New tenants are invoiced proportionately from their start date. Tenants are asked not to send payment until an invoice is received. Any future rent increases will be set by the retail price index and the Council's pricing policy.

We are currently only offering half plots

At the present time, due to long waiting lists we are only offering applicants half plots in order to cut the waiting lists and speed up the opportunity for people to have an allotment. Also we have found that the majority of people today find a full plot (179 sqm and above) too much work for them. Half plots are proving to be easier for people to manage, succeed and stay long term with us.

Waiting lists for plots

We currently have long waiting lists for all of our allotment sites. The waiting time can vary from approximately 6 months to 3 years. When you apply for a plot, you will be considered for all available plots closest to your home in date order of receipt of your enquiry. You may specify a particular site, however you will still be offered the first closest available plot to your home. If you only wish to be offered a plot on the site you specify, please state this on your application.

Water charges

Water charges per field are calculated on the previous years usage for each individual field, with the South West Water standing charge added, this total is then divided equally between the number of tenants.

The water is turned off during the winter months on most sites to help prevent burst pipes. Some sites have tenants standing as Water Monitors who will turn the water on and off as the weather dictates.

Please note that each tenant pays an equal share of the water used by the site as a whole. Everyone has a responsibility to be mindful of the amount of water they are using on their individual plots. An allowance is made for excess water used through leakage, or vandal damage, based on previous normal consumption.

Terminations

If you wish to terminate your agreement, you should give one months notice to finish on the last day of any month.

Sheds/greenhouses

To ensure the safety of all tenants, no permanent foundations are to be laid preventing the ground being cultivated in the future. Neighbouring plots are not to be affected by shade. Written permission will be required to put up any structures. Tenants can return the blue request form, found in their welcome pack, or contact the Parks Office to obtain one.

Greenhouses have proved to be a problem with broken glass left embedded in the ground after any accidents or acts of vandalism. We strongly recommend the use of plastic polycarbonate instead of glass.

Dogs

Dogs should be under control and kept on a leash.

Hosepipes and sprinklers

Hand-held hosepipes are permissible on the allotment, but should be limited to a maximum of 20 minutes per plot, per day. Sprinklers of any description are not permitted, as they require a permit for use. Use of a sprinkler could result in the termination of your tenancy agreement.

Rubbish

To keep site entrances safe and tidy, tenants should hold all rubbish on their own plots, until they are ready to remove it from the site. Remember our slogan; "If you can't take it off! Do not take it on!"

Using pesticides

Please see the information sheet given to all new tenants which can also be obtained by contacting the allotment officer.

Control of vermin

Always seek professional help with any problems with vermin.

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