Allotments
The Parish Council has 17 allotment plots on Richmond Place. There is currently a small waiting list. If you would like more information or to put your name on the list please contact the Parish Clerk.
Information for Tenants
Cultivation
Tenants must keep the allotment in cultivation, keep weeds under control and maintain the soil in a healthy and fertile state at all times.
Cultivation is considered to mean at least one of the following:
- The plot is in readiness for growing.
- The plot is well stocked with growing produce relevant to the time of the year.
- The plot is in the process of being prepared for the allowable crops or season.
Allowable crops are defined as vegetables, fruit, herbs and ornamental flowers. The Council also permit chickens and ducks on the allotments and has approved several policies in respect of keeping bees or chickens / ducks on the allotments.
Uncultivated and neglected plots
In accordance with the Allotment Tenancy Agreement, Allotments should be kept well cultivated and free of weeds. This doesn’t mean your plot should be keep pristine with zero weeds, just that your level of cultivation isn’t so limited that it interferes with other plots and that you are clearly using the plot productively.
The Council acknowledge that taking on an allotment can be a big commitment. One of the most difficult issues for the Council is issuing letters where plot holders have not been cultivating their plots. The Council recognises that every tenant has his/her own personal circumstances that impact on and can influence their ability to manage their plots. However, the Council acknowledges that the allotments have to be managed in a professional way and that every plot holder has to share that responsibility.
If you cannot commit the time necessary and you are struggling to keep your plot cultivated, please contact the Council at the earliest opportunity.
Inspections
For the spring, summer and autumn (typically March to November) plots will usually be inspected at least every other month.
During the quieter winter months between the autumn and spring inspections (November to March) there is a reduction in inspections.
What the inspecting Councillor will be looking for;
Cultivation
The Councillor will initially look at the entire plot to see that the majority of it is being cultivated and cropped. If it isn’t, or if large areas of the plot have been left unworked, this will likely lead to the tenant receiving a cultivation improvement notice.
Weed growth
Particular attention will be paid to seeding weed plants within beds. Where there are large areas of weeds, a notice will be issued. They will also look at uncontrolled areas of perennial weeds such as brambles, nettles and rank unmanaged grass. Beds with established and seeding weeds alongside crops will also be liable to an improvement notice.
Seasonality will be taken into account when the officer inspects. At mid-summer, most of the plot should be used for growing crops. Plots mostly covered in plastic mulch or carpet will be liable for notice, as may a plot given over mainly to cut grass.
During the autumn and winter months, they will be looking to see that plots which have become weedy in the late summer are being cleared and improved, however this does not mean you need to be sowing crops. Generally if you are using the winter months to improve your plot by clearing waste and increasing cultivation, then this will be taken into account.
Other rule breaches
This may include checking that there are no potential hazards such as leaning or dangerous structures or structures without permission. Checks that trees are being kept under control and are not causing excessive shading and vegetation is not overhanging other plots will also be made. Refer to the allotment agreement for guidance.
The officer will also look at hen / Duck houses to ensure the birds welfare is being taken care of.
Notices
If an issue is found by the inspector during an inspection, an improvement notice is sent to the tenant outlining what needs resolving and giving the tenant a minimum of 28 days before a re-inspection. The re-inspection may be carried out after 28 days.
If on re-inspection the issue has been addressed, the notice is cancelled and the tenant is no longer on notice. If the officer finds the issue has not been resolved, and there are no extenuating circumstances, the tenant will be given a letter of termination of tenancy.
I have received a notice – why and what action should I take?
Most notices are issued for poor cultivation or weed-infested plots, but they can also be issued for other matters referred to in the allotment agreement. You need to deal with the issues identified before the earliest reinspection date on the notice in order to pass it.
If you have a good reason as to why you cannot work your plot, it is important that you let us know. If you think you have received a notice by mistake, please contact us.
Extenuating circumstances
Not unlike many challenging situations in life, communication is key to resolving issues. You may have been unwell or have had a serious family or work emergency. If you feel this is the case, the first point of action should be to discuss this with the Council. Please contact the Parish Clerk as soon as possible.