Sheds

[snuffer]

On the allotment site where I have my plot, plotholders are not allowed to put up a shed. When attending a recent parish council meeting I asked why this was the case. I was told 'that this is how it has always been'.

I am hoping that just because 'that is how it has always been' doesn't mean that the rules can't be changed. I have had a word with several of the other plot holders and they have all expressed a wish to site a shed on their plots.

I admit it is probably more of 'a bloke thing' but surely, sheds and allotments go together. If you were to ask almost anyone what they think of when you mention allotments I'm sure a sizeable majority would say 'shed'.

I was wondering if any of you had allotments on sites with similar rules and what you think might be the best aproach to getting the rule changed.

We have no allotment association, just a guy who looks after collecting the rents and liases with the parish council. I have contacted him and he did seem sympathetic and would now like hints and tips about what you think should be my next step.

[HeyWayne]

We're not allowed "permanent erections" on our site, and whilst I quite like gardening and my allotment, I'm not sure I'd go that far!

Part of the reasons cited for this is the risk of burglary and vandalism.

I admit, a shed or greenhouse would be helpful, but we seem to get along quite well without. Some folk have storage boxes, and others have those plastic greenhouses (well anchored against the winds).

Haven't really helped you have I?

[Pootle]

We are just planning to put a shed up on our plot - mainly so I have somewhere for a wee (there are no toilets on site!). Its ok for the guys, they stand discreetly by the boundary hedge and pass the time of day but its a little more difficult for us 'ladies'!

I suspect that those sites which don't allow sheds are concerned with the risk of vandalism or that some are unsightly...this could certainly be said about some of the sheds on our site, but I think it adds to the character of the place.

Perhaps you could suggest that, if sheds are allowed, they are kept to a certain size? Some sites I know have sheds provided on each plot - so they are all identical. Would that be an option if you could get funding? Or, failing that, what about a communal shed with lockers for each plot holder?

[jackie j]

I couldnt be without my shed. The first thing the allotment manager told me was that I could put up a shed if I wanted to and its outside my plot boundry like a few others near me. Not everyone on our site has a shed but most have. Bought mine brand new and paid to have it erected, OH had a new car so I had a shed !!!!

[chuffa]

Ive just received my shed from forest products. A 6' x4' shed that we have to write a letter to the parish council for permission to erect. This is just red tape and they do restrict the sizes, but are ok on on this size. I have wrecked the back of my car taking tools etse every time i visit the lottie. With a shed i can cycle there and all my tools are at hand. Although we have had no vandals for some time, we have insurance for our homes, why not include the lottie items.

[snuffer]

Thank you for your comments so far. I look forward to hearing what others have to say.

I just knew someone would mention 'permanent erections' and for some strange reason I thought it might be HeyWayne.

[rainbowminx]

Our parish council have recently changed the rules and have decided that we are allowed sheds. As there is no water available I was worried about how I would collect rainwater without a shed/guttering etc. Apparently before I arrived lots of people on the allotment, like you, wanted a shed for toilet/tools/water reasons so the council decided to alter the rules just in time for us new allotment holders to benefit.

Anyway, the upshot is that I am the first person to get a shed on our allotments, and it looks fabulous!!! I've been an allotment holder for a whole EIGHT days and had a shed after SIX! I got mine on our local freecycle so didn't even pay for it (other than sweat, backache and grunts, of course, oh and a box of eggs from our chooks which I gave to the kind lady who donated her shed!).

It sounds to me as though you have a good case to put to the parish council if the only reason they have is because it's always been that way. Best of luck! I LOVE my shed!

[HeyWayne]

I just knew someone would mention 'permanent erections' and for some strange reason I thought it might be HeyWayne.

Hey, I don't like to disappoint!

[Arachne]

I'm currently begging freecycle for a shed - the allotment's 20 minutes walk away, I have no car, so I'm really limited in what I can take up there. There's also the peeing thing - compost bin's to tall to squat over

As for sheds being a "bloke thing" - pish and tosh! Half the reason I got a lottie was because it was an excuse to get a shed, and last time I checked I was most definitely not a bloke. :P

[Norm]

As for sheds being a "bloke thing" - pish and tosh! Half the reason I got a lottie was because it was an excuse to get a shed, and last time I checked I was most definitely not a bloke. :P

The last bastions of male independance were the ability to make stew and have a shed. Now it seems, we are loosing these. Is nothing sacred.

As for the problem at hand, how about a petition from the plot holders

[Two_Sheds]

Surely you can argue for a shed on environmental grounds:

• it will reduce car journeys, because you wouldn't need to drive your tools up every time; so you could cycle instead
• you would use less water, because you could have guttering off your roof, and collect rainwater in butts
• you would also get more work done, because you could shelter from showers, instead of going home when it rains (& driving back again when it stops)

If the council is worried about unsightliness, they could specify sheds have to be of a specific size and type, and possibly colour (blue? )

[Mikey]

Did you have a contract when you got your allotment that told you what you could and couldn't do. I guess the councils possible objection would be insurance and possible claims by vandals due to personal injury, but you can get private insurance to cover the cost of your sheds contents and potential damage due to vandalism.

I think your parish council just needs to be shown how it would not incur costs for them, and how they could restrict the shed size, and fabric. While also ensuring that future sheds on the site are only permitted by means of agreement of the council. I think it's very helpful to have one, I hate getting my boot filthy, and I much prefer to walk there (difficult when your carrying a spade, fork, watering can, and hoe)

Good luck.

[Arachne]

The last bastions of male independance were the ability to make stew and have a shed. Now it seems, we are loosing these. Is nothing sacred.

Nothing at all! We can even pee on bonfires now!

[snuffer]

Shed on Lottie.

Thanks every one. I will definitely try the 'environmental' and 'ladies privacy' angles.

However, as is so often the case, when I asked the guy who collects our rent if anyone else had contacted him regarding sheds he said no one else had spoken to him about them. All those plot holders that expressed a wish to site a shed on their allotment have gone quiet making it look as though I'm the only one making a noise.

I will have to try and galvanise them but don't want to be treading on anyones toes.

[Norm]

Nothing at all! We can even pee on bonfires now!

Now I've seen it all. To coin a famous phrase, "I don't bl***y believe it"