🌱 Allotment Rules & Plot Holder Guide

🌿 Plot Use & Cultivation

• Plots must be used only for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers for personal/family use.

• No trade or business activities (small surplus sales only).

• Not suitable for orchards – the ground should remain cultivatable.

• Keep plots:

  • Weed controlled

  • Hazard free

  • Fertile and productive

  • In good general condition

Minimum cultivation levels

• 25% within 3 months

• 50% within 6 months (added from booklet)

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• 75% within 12 months and maintained thereafter

• Maximum 20% hard landscaping (patios, paving, etc.).

• If you’re struggling to manage your plot, speak to the committee early — smaller or shared options may be available.

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👥 Conduct & Community

• Be respectful and considerate of neighbours at all times.

• No nuisance, antisocial or illegal behaviour.

• Do not enter other plots or take produce without permission.

• You are responsible for visitors, helpers and children.

• Children must be supervised at all times due to water hazards onsite.

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• Follow all site rules, constitution and relevant legislation.

🌳 Trees, Boundaries & Paths

• Only dwarf fruit trees/bushes without permission.

• Do not cut or prune trees without written consent (except normal fruit pruning).

• Maintain hedges, fences and boundaries.

• Maintain paths next to your plot (half width each side).

• Paths must be at least 45cm wide and safe to walk.

• Keep roads and haulage ways clear.

• No barbed or razor wire.

🏠 Buildings & Structures

• One shed + one greenhouse/polytunnel only.

• Maximum size 8ft × 10ft each.

• Larger/additional structures require permission/planning approval.

• Structures must be safe and well maintained.

• Glass substitutes (polycarbonate/Perspex) preferred.

• Unsafe structures may be removed if not repaired.

• The Association may inspect structures.

• Association not responsible for theft/damage.

• Association has first refusal to purchase buildings when tenants leave.

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• Items left onsite become Association property by default.

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💧 Water Use

• Use water responsibly.

• Use water butts wherever possible.

• Avoid sprinklers/automatic systems.

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• Handheld hoses permitted.

• Extra charges may apply for excessive usage.

🔥 Fires & Flammables

• No bonfires on individual plots.

• Communal or authorised bonfires only with permission/supervision.

• Do not bring oils or unnecessary flammables onsite.

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• Max 5L fuel stored safely for equipment only.

🐕 Animals & Livestock

• Dogs allowed but must be on a lead and under control.

• Remove and take dog waste off site.

• No livestock.

♻️ Waste & Cleanliness

• No dumping or fly-tipping.

• Compost green waste where possible.

• Remove all non-compostable waste from site.

• Do not leave household waste uncovered (pests risk).

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• Do not use carpets/underlay.

• Do not collect or store scrap materials.

• Do not bring:

  • Asbestos

  • Batteries

  • Tyres

  • Old appliances

  • UPVC doors/windows

  • Bottles/cans

  • Excess plastics/glass

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🧪 Chemicals & Safety

• Use only approved horticultural products.

• Follow labels and legislation.

• Prevent spray drift onto neighbouring plots.

• Choose wildlife-friendly methods where possible.

• Store chemicals safely.

🔐 Security & Access

• Keys/codes/cards must not be copied or shared.

• Gates must be locked after entering/leaving.

• Report faults immediately.

• Keys remain property of the Association and must be returned when leaving.

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🚗 Parking

• Only tenants or authorised helpers may bring vehicles onsite.

• Park safely and keep routes clear.

🚻 Facilities

• Toilet facilities available — please leave clean and tidy.

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💷 Rent & Tenancy

• Tenancy runs yearly from 1 October.

• Rent payable in October.

• Non-payment beyond one month may be treated as termination.

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• Rent includes water.

• Rent increases notified at AGM.

• Inform Association of address changes.

• No subletting or transferring plots.

🔍 Inspections

• Association officers may inspect plots and structures with reasonable notice.

❌ Ending Your Tenancy

• 28 days’ notice required from tenant.

• Tenancy may end for non-payment or rule breaches.

• On leaving:

  • Remove belongings

  • Return keys

  • Leave plot clean and tidy

  • Clearance costs may be charged

🤝 Community Spirit

• Say hello and support each other — we’re a friendly site!

• Volunteers for projects always welcome.

• Tools or spares may sometimes be available to borrow or take.