Allotment rules and regulations

All tenants shall be responsible for keeping their allotment plots in a clean and tidy condition at all times of year to the standard outlined in the rules and regulations at the Council's sole discretion. Allotment sites will be regularly inspected by the Council and/or Association.

An allotment plot must be used for the sole purpose of growing vegetables, fruit and other produce and tenants may sell such produce grown (other than with a view to making a profit). At least 50% of individual allotment plots should be used for growing purposes.

All tenants shall be responsible for ensuring that weed growth is controlled and their allotment plots are cultivated by the end of April prior to the growing season all to a standard outlined in the rules and regulations at the Council's sole discretion, e.g. the allotment plot should either be: well underway in the process of being prepared for crops; in readiness for growing; or be well stocked with growing produce. Seed heads should be removed before they set and pernicious weeds such as couch grass, ground elder, brambles or mares tail must be controlled.

A tenant shall be responsible for keeping the boundaries and paths adjacent to their allotment plot in a clean and tidy condition. Where a path is adjacent to two allotment plots, the respective tenants shall come to an agreement as to how it is to be kept clear of weeds and any obstructions failing which the Council or Association shall direct the tenants as to how this is to be done.

The prior written consent of the Council or Association shall be obtained by a tenant regarding the location and size of any buildings to be erected within their allotment plot, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld if the proposals do not unduly shade adjacent allotment plots or take up more than 25% of the said plot. The Council or Association will be entitled to ask for whatever information it considers necessary in order to reach a decision as to whether such consent is to be given.

A tenant shall not allow trees on the allotment plot, with the exception of fruit trees which must be maintained within the allotment plot and which shall not grow into or cause shade to be cast on neighbouring allotment plots. Fruit bushes are permitted to be grown.

A tenant shall be responsible for ensuring that appropriate pest and disease control is carried out on the allotment plot.

A tenant must not allow their allotment plot to be used for the storage of glass, timber, refuse or any other material deemed unsuitable by the Council.

A tenant shall not do anything to adversely affect other allotment plots, including but not limited to, spray damage, fertiliser run off, spreading/seeding weeds or any other activity that may cause damage and/or nuisance.

Crops, structures, etc. on individual allotment plots are the responsibility of the tenant and the Council and/or Association shall not be liable for any incidents that take place and/or damage occurring to said items save where such incidents and/or damage are as a result of the actions of their employees or authorised representatives.

Tenants are encouraged to practice good housekeeping and sustainable practices e.g. composting green waste on the allotment plot, the use of water butts for collecting water and responsible disposal of waste material.

Tenants are responsible for the removal of all waste lawfully from their allotment plot. Small scale burning using a closed vessel such as a chiminea is permitted however must be controlled and must not compromise adjacent allotment plots and/or neighbouring properties.

To increase sustainability and keep charges manageable, tenants are encouraged to harvest water within their allotment plots to supplement mains water provision where provided. It is not permitted to install additional water taps.

Where no mains water is provided, plot holders must harvest water within their allotment plot.