Allotments
This document is an Action Plan created by Mitcheldean, Gamlingay and Frampton-on-Severn parish councils. It lists the regulations to be followed potential funding sources sources of advice, and more
Last updated
This document is an Action Plan created by Mitcheldean, Gamlingay and Frampton-on-Severn parish councils. It lists the regulations to be followed potential funding sources sources of advice, and more
Last updated
Parish or town council (This example from Mitcheldean Gamlingay and Frampton-on-Severn parish councils)
Local Government Act 1972 s.124(1) (acquire land)
Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 s.26 (make improvements)
Awards For All and other Big Lottery funds
See also www.nsalg.org.uk/allotment-info/funding-advice/
National Allotment Society www.nsalg.org.uk
Nearby council with allotments
Negotiation
Administration
Cultivation
Well-drained land with good soil.
Funds to buy or lease it.
Water supply (one tap may not be sufficient for an allotment site, another option is a dip tank per about 8 plots).
(Push) mower.
Depending on location, a toilet may be essential on site – perhaps a composting toilet.
Need parking and access to plots for deliveries by vehicle as people bring tools/heavy items such as sheds.
Fencing
Notice board(s).
A decision needs to be made early on about whether to provide sheds on each allotment, not permit any sheds, or allow people to bring their own (size/colour etc?). If the site is near residential properties, some residents can complain that it looks like an eyesore with homemade sheds/lean-tos, etc.
May need planning authority approval for change of use.
Permission may also be required for any hardstanding car park or communal sheds that might be seen as permanent structures.
Also need to address whether livestock is permitted, e.g.: chickens/pigs/bees.
Any necessary site clearance.
Erect fencing (may need rabbit/deer fence if the location is very open).
Erect access gate(s).
Contractor may be needed for mapping out and staking out the allotment site.
Also digging trenches to lay water pipes.
Find a suitable site large enough for several allotments.
Negotiate purchase or long lease from the current owner.
Fence round the site with gates for person/vehicle access.
Install water standpipe if not already on site.
Divide land into equal-size allotments with access paths.
Devise allotment rules based on examples from another council.
Publicise availability of allotments.
Sign agreements with allotment holders to pay rent and observe the allotment rules, including having their own insurance.
Keep a waiting list.
Erect noticeboard(s) to give information to the allotment holders/general public.
Oversee maintenance of the site.
Be available to resolve any disputes/breaking of the rules.
Fruit trees help improve carbon footprint.
Growing your own reduces food miles.
Grow cheap fruit and vegetables for your own family and friends.
Healthy outdoor exercise.
Cultivation improves biodiversity, including support for bees.
It would be useful if allotment rules could include info on the latest climate-friendly methods: e.g.: no pesticides, no dig (optional but beneficial to soil health!), non-chemical pest control, crop swaps to reduce food waste, etc.
Meet more people and be part of a community.
Perhaps offer a plot to the local school/scouts/youth club, etc., to get the community involved.
Charge an annual rent to collectively cover water supply, mowing, and maintaining paths and possibly a sinking fund for fencing/other repairs.
Option to establish an allotments association to oversee respect for the rules, manage any regular site maintenance such as mowing paths, and be the link between the council and allotment holders.