When do I have to pay rent?

The tenancy year runs from 1st October to 30th September. The yearly rent is due by the first day of the allotment year.

How much will a plot cost?

A. The average size of a plot is 5 pole although this does vary from plot to plot. The current price for 5 pole is £36.69. This is reviewed on an annual basis, but normally increases are around 2%.

Are sheds, greenhouses or polytunnels allowed?

Residents may erect sheds, poly-tunnels and greenhouses on their plot no larger 8 X 8 feet (2.4 x 2.4 metres) and no higher than 7 feet (2.1metre) in height providing that the 75% cultivation rule is adhered to. All structures must be kept in good repair to the satisfaction of the PAA. Any shed/building base or brick/slab path must be laid on sand or other such temporary foundation. No aggregate, concrete or permanent (cemented) brick/slab groundworks are permitted.

Can tenants fence their allotment plot?

Only netting is permitted, and this must be no higher than 1 metre and at least six inches inside the plot boundary to allow ease of path maintenance.

Can tenants have more than one plot?

As a general rule new plot holders are issued with one plot. Providing they keep this plot in good order they can apply for a second plot. If there is a waiting list they will have to abide by that. They can also put their name down for a specific plot, usually one near their current one and wait for that to become vacant.

Can tenants use vacant plots?

Not usually and not without permission from the committee. If they want to have that plot they should apply for a second plot.

Can tenants swap plots with family/friends?

If two tenants wish to swap plots, both parties must submit a request in writing to the PAA. In the case of a tenant wishing to swap to a vacant plot, they must submit a request in writing, but the request will only be considered if their existing plot is in a good state of cultivation. The swap shall not take place until the tenant has been formally offered the new plot in writing by the PAA and the tenant has accepted. It may be necessary for a rent adjustment to be made depending on the relative areas of the plots involved.

What is a joint tenancy?

This is merely where two people want to register a plot in two names.

What do I do if I’ve lost my key to the gate?

The keys for the site can only be provided by the association, they cannot be bought over the counter at a shop. These keys are expensive for us to purchase and this can only be done with a registration card. You will need to inform us in writing, an email is fine, we will then require you to make a £20 payment into our bank account, after which we will issue a replacement.

Can I burn woody material?

Bonfires may be lit in accordance with the following rules: Page 4 of 4 The Patch Allotments Tenancy Terms and Conditions effective 1st October 2019

• Tenants must not light a bonfire if the wind will cause smoke or particles to cause a nuisance to other allotment tenants and neighbouring residents.
• Under no circumstances shall a fire be left unattended or left to smoulder.
• Only plant material and scrap wood originating from your plot may be burned. Large woody cuttings that are unsuitable for composting must be dried before being burnt.
• Under no circumstances may household refuse or any other items originating outside the allotments be burnt on the allotment gardens
• Bonfires are not permitted at weekends or Bank Holidays.

Can tenants keep bees on their plot?

A bee enclosure is managed by the PAA and is the only area on the site where hives are permitted. For qualified beekeepers, conditions for keeping a hive in the enclosure should be obtained from the PAA. Training in beekeeping is available for unqualified beekeepers.

Can tenants keep chickens on their plot?

Anyone wish to keep chickens or other livestock on the allotment will need to seek permission of the PAA. The full policy on keeping chickens is available on the Important information page.

Can tenants plant trees on their plot?

Only dwarf-standard or cordon fruit trees may be planted on the allotment gardens and then not within 1 metre of the allotment boundary. Any other trees are not permitted. Soft fruit bushes may be planted but also not within one metre of such boundary.

Are dogs allowed on the allotment site?

Dogs are allowed on site providing they are held on a leash or kept to the owner’s plot at all times, Any canine excrement must be removed from the site immediately.

Can children visit the site?

Under normal circumstances we welcome plotholders children to the site, They are the next generation of plotholders. Tenants must ensure their children do not cause a nuisance on site to other plotholders and should not be allowed to run around the site for their own safety. Allotments can be dangerous places with all sorts of dangers on site.

Can I use carpets or tyres for groundcover or temporary planters?

Carpet is not to be used as a weed suppressant due to chemicals used in manufacture which can leach into the soil. All existing carpet & underlay must be removed from the plots.

How should pests be dealt with?

The usual pests such as slugs, snail and green/blackfly can be dealt with by the usual pesticides, providing they comply with current government legislation. Problems such as birds (mainly pidgins) should be discouraged by netting the plants. The tenant shall not snare, trap or shoot any vermin, bird or wild animal. Steps should be taken to minimise rat populations by good husbandry such as the monthly turning over of compost heaps and the elimination of convenient nesting places.

Can I use chemicals/pesticides?

These can only be used for normal insect pests - see above. You should only spray on a still day so that the spray does not go onto your neighbours plot, they may be practicing organic growing and not appreciate you spray.

Can I use a hose pipe?

Hose pipes are permitted only for the purpose of filling water butts or containers, but not for continuous watering of allotments. Tenants must not use water from any water points on the allotments for car washing or any other purpose than for irrigation of the allotment gardens.

What do I do if my property or crops are vandalised and/or stolen?

Please report anything to the PAA immediately in case any further precautions can be taken, however all buildings shall be at the owner’s risk regarding damage, theft and loss of contents.

What can I do about nuisance neighbours?

Should any dispute arise between allotment tenants, or outgoing and incoming tenants, or matters not provided for in these rules, it shall be referred to the PAA committee whose decision shall be final.

What can I do about anti-social behaviour?

• Tenants shall not be abusive or cause any nuisance or annoyance to the occupier of any other allotment or neighbouring residents.

• The playing of loud music is not allowed.
• Smoking should never interfere with the well-being of tenants in adjacent areas.
• Cigarette butts and other smoking detritus must be removed from the sitePlease report any anti-social behaviour this to the PAA.

What happens if there is an emergency?

You can call on help from committee members or other plotholders, but if it a real emergency dial 999.

Do you offer waste disposal/recycling options for plot holders?

The removal of rubbish of any description on an allotment plot shall be the responsibility of the tenant renting the plot. Tenants must not place any refuse or waste matter in or over the hedges or fences. All such waste must be removed from the allotment site and legally disposed of.