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Wednesday, 3 December 2008

Home and community

Home and community

What you can do with your allotment

Renting an allotment is a good way to get extra land to grow fruit, vegetables and flowers. The tenancy agreement will set out what you can and can't do with your allotment.

What the tenancy agreement will contain

The tenancy agreement will set out what you can and cannot do with your allotment and you should keep a copy for future reference. The agreement is signed by the allotment authority/association and the plotholder. Allotment plots are normally leased for the period of one year.

The agreement will usually cover how the tenancy can be terminated. An allotment authority/association has to give the plot holder 12 months' notice expiring on or before 6 April or after 29 September in any year. The allotment authority may also give one months notice to quit if the rent remains unpaid or the tenant fails to comply with the terms of tenancy.

You will need to meet these basic conditions:

  • children and pets should be kept under control
  • your allotment must be kept clean and maintained in a good state of cultivation
  • you are responsible for keeping minor paths clear
  • your plot should be used mainly for growing vegetables and fruit

What can I do with my plot?

The main use of allotments is for the growing of fruit and vegetables. You may also be able to do the following, but check your agreement and other regulations as advised by the allotment authority/association:

  • keep hens and rabbits
  • keep certain other livestock - also get guidance from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
  • beekeeping - if you are considering keeping bees you should also consider joining the British Beekeeper's Association and taking out insurance
  • build a hut if one is not provided
  • build a pond, but note that ponds can be a danger to children and the allotment authority is required to impose conditions on building ponds

If you use herbicides and pesticides you should follow all the safety instructions. Your allotment authority may be able to advise on the safe use of herbicides and pesticides and on organic gardening. You can also get advice from the Pesticides Safety Directorate.

Composting is an effective and environmentally friendly way of recycling organic waste. Get advice on composting from your allotment authority, the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) or the Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA).

What can't I do with my plot?

  • use it for a business or sub-let it
  • let the plot deteriorate
  • use sprinklers overnight or when you are not there
  • bonfires are either banned or subject to strict conditions
  • use barbed wire in a dangerous way

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