Annoying planning dept.

[Glutton4...]

Can I use Disconbobulating Triaxium Diode then?

Yes, do you want me to plug it in!?

[allotmenteer ashford]

Dear Barleysugar, planning were probably a bit confused - they don't usually get asked as this is a matter for Streetscene (01233 330476) who deal with allotments, not for planning. If I remember rightly you are allowed to put up a polytunnel up to 15ft long without asking anyone's permission; I'm not sure other plotholders locally have even felt the need to inform the council. Yes, neighbours can be shirty but the council is used to the fact that people who complain are sometimes the problem, not the person being complained about. Here on William Road site we had a householder kick up a stink because someone behind them put up an entirely OK polytunnel - then, as soon as they got a plot themselves, they put up one which was a lot messier. They didn't use proper polythene with the result that the degraded builder's polythene they used is blowing around all over the place and the polytunnel is an eyesore.

I think the rules about greenhouses, if I remember rightly, is you can have up to 10ft. However, they are never safe; two boys climbed over the fence and smashed every pane in ours before going down and breaking the windows of Christchurch parish church. We put pipe lagging over the metal struts and then covered it with polythene, converting it into a polytunnel. Several other people have done this with old greenhosue frames, it's so much safer. We have a new website now Ashford Allotments - home - I will check the facts and put them on there. We will be tackling issues like this and welcome feedback, suggestions for articles and comments from anyone, whether they are an allotmenter or a vegetable gardener, in the area or indeed elsewhere.

[Mikey]

Out of curiosity wouldn't it say in your agreement whether you were allowed structures?

Most plots around me have a polytunnel.

[alldigging]

It may depend on the land and the planning permission given when the allotments were started.

The site at Granby Street near us has strict restrictions because of complainy neighbours.

If you see another site not many miles away you'll know why people worry about shed size. Some allotment sites turn quickly into shanty towns.

[ancee]

If you do get permission make sure its pretty so they can't possibly complain! Some people really must have such wonderful lives that this kind of thing winds them up soooo very much! Imagine what they'd be like if they had a REAL problem to deal with? Ah, for the kind of life that was so perfect that I'd have to kick up a big hoo ha when someone dared to actually breathe near me, some of us have real, awful problems!

[elizajay]

We've had problems from the start. Sadly it isn't the parish council, its the borough council, and it seems they pander to the 2 complainants, forgetting the 51 residents who are plotholders. We manage ourselves, but I knew I'd need to check with the council, because if I'd done it without consulting them, when the inevitable complaint was made there would be trouble. It seemed a straightforward request to confirm the telephone call in an email. To be honest, I can't see why they bother with a telephone service if yo can't rely on their advice. All future contact will be email or letter, at least I can keep track then.

We have had problems with our Borough Council with emails and hard copies being "disappeared" re a planning issue. A freedom of information request resulted in one email from us being disclosed when there have been many. Worst was an email sent through the website was rewritten by them after a follow up call as if it came from us and only vaguely representing our view. We were advised the only way to resolve the issue is to go to the High Court. HA as if we could afford that!!

[Mikey]

Some allotment sites turn quickly into shanty towns.

I know, I think they are the best. There are sheds on a site near our local Asda and they are all the same size and green aluminium. I prefer the ones made with old doors and old bits of wood.