Sheds

[Ger-annie-um]

We are a newly formed Allotment Association and still feeling our way through the minefield that is 'red tape'. Can anyone give me any clues as to whether planning permission is required for the small 6 x 4 sheds we would like to use on the site. None of the sheds will be on hardstanding. The local Council say we have to have PP but everything we read points to we don't if the sheds aren't fixed

Thanks

[Two_Sheds]

NSALG is always the place to check first: Q&A on planning permission for sheds & greenhouses on allotments

[Ger-annie-um]

Thank you Two Sheds.............even our local Planning Officer can't give me a simple yes or no!

[BarleySugar]

We had to get planning permission for our sheds (and greenhouses) on our new site, because it was 'new' rather than one that had been established for a while. To be honest, all we read about it pointed to the fact we didn't, but as there were objections raised to the allotments in the first place, the council decided we had to. All sheds have to be in prescribed places on the plots, and pent style roofs, no larger than 8 by 6 (didn't specify colour, but I had complaints about my sea grass coloured one ). However, although 3 people have put up apex ones, the complainants haven't sussed these do not comply. We have notified the plotholders that they might need to remove them if they do cause us problems with the neighbours.

We had thought the site planning application had been done to allow shed, greenhouse or chicken coop, but the previous committee member that filled in the form only did sheds, so one plot holder who put up a greenhouse instead of a shed had to apply individually, and pay the appropriate fee.

Amazingly, after planting in a perimeter hedge, agreed via email with a planning officer, we have now been told we need to put in a planning application for that too (another fee!), together with the EXACT position and composition. Thankfully our committee member who organised this still has a copy of the email from July, which specified the native species we planned to get. When they came (bare rooted and dormant), there were no labels so we couldn't identify which was which. We just planted them in randomly.

[binley100]

Oh how I appreciate the site I'm on ............

[lottie dolly]

us to Binley,our site goes right back to the 1940,having such things as a shed and greenhouse,are a must for me lol,we have to large plots together,so much can be started of and space utilesed,even like today,it's nice doing things in the warmer place,and the shed for warm drinks,am i spoiled

[Mikey]

My FIL's plots have been there since who knows when, he's had his for 32 years and they don't allow sheds FULL STOP. Their argument is you can't secure a shed, and if you try you only make someone believe there's something of value inside. Allotments are for gardening, sheds are for storage.

I don't agree with this argument, but there is a certain logic to it.

[allotment grower]

usually you have to get a general permission from the land owner or local council if council leased

try to get in contact with your local council for a contact name for the person who is in charge for organizing allotment development in your area... they can arrange guides / outlines for sheds greenhouses etc..

our allotment was moved and we had to apply for permission for sheds greenhouses etc.
as long as they were all the same 6x4 shed etc. it was ok.. now i have a greenhouse and polytunnel on the plot..

[binley100]

My FIL's plots have been there since who knows when, he's had his for 32 years and they don't allow sheds FULL STOP. Their argument is you can't secure a shed, and if you try you only make someone believe there's something of value inside. Allotments are for gardening, sheds are for storage.

I don't agree with this argument, but there is a certain logic to it.

Sheds are also useful for the pee bucket and to make a drink and shelter from sudden downpours . Nothing of value gets left in there and if anyone went in mine they'd think it'd already been ransacked anyway

[salome2001]

I have an 8x6 shed half constructed. Since I've revived it from one that had blown down on the plot when the previous owner had it, I'm not expecting any complaints! Mind you, it was one of three on the plot (well, two sheds and an 8ft x 6ft wooden chicken coop! wonder if they needed planning permission for that??!!)

[BarleySugar]

I'm thinking of phoning our planning officer to find out if I need permission for a homemade polytunnel (3m by 2m). I don't want to fork out the fee for a greenhouse permission. Not sure what the committees opinion will be, but it isn't forbidden by the tenancy agreement. I made sure of that when I helped draft it

[Two_Sheds]

It's often easier to apologise after the fact, rather than seek permission in the first place

[Two_Sheds]

Allotments are for gardening, sheds are for storage.

I don't agree with this argument

Me neither, that's been drafted by someone who has a big car they can carry all their stuff in, not someone who has to cycle, walk or get the bus.

[Mikey]

Sheds are also useful for the pee bucket and to make a drink and shelter from sudden downpours . Nothing of value gets left in there and if anyone went in mine they'd think it'd already been ransacked anyway

I don't have a pee bucket, that's what my compost bin is for. I try to be discreet.

[Ger-annie-um]

Thanks all for these pearls of wisdom......what a minefield. Our ~Council want £170 per application! BUT we can apparently put something up that is 4metres in height with a cubic meterage of 200 cub metres.......................Is it me or is that a stonking gurt shed, and don't get me started on the hedge problem. They say we have to 'lay' a hedge that hasn't been touched in lord knows how many years.

And that's just the landlords/planning office. Now the plotholders have joined in and are demanding..water, toilets, parking, more fencing, less rules

Help needed on separate thread