Allotment waiting list

[chuffa]

I have had an allotment for some years now and found that I would like another one as I would like to turn my hand into fruit growing. As I only have half of an allotment ie, 5 rods, I put my name down onto the waiting list for another 5 rods.

It has been the Parish Councils action, that when a plot comes empty, to divide it into two or even three, thus then, the Council will get more money. My view is that they are being, shall we say thrifty in the way that they do things.

My gripe is that I have been on the waiting list for two years or more and when I approach the Council they say, "you have already got one and others are on the waiting list". As an individual, I should be able to join the list as anyone else is able to and move up the list with everyone else, or am I being a little greedy. Should I be put on a separate list, in which case I could be waiting forever, or should I be put on the list with everyone else and move up the list as plots come available. http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...s/confused.gif

[DGoulston]

-If I had an allotment, and I wanted more space, then I would want to be on the list.

-But If I did not have an allotment and wanted one, then I would feel right let down if people who already had an allotment were above me in the list!

So my point of view there needs to be a second list, that only becomes available if there is no one on the "new person" list. as them people don't even have anything!

Just my opinion. But yes I think people on the list who do not have anything would be very unhappy if spare ones were going to people who already had one.

Darren.

[jackie j]

Can you put the plot in your partners name ? we are only allowed one plot whatever size in own name, all whole plots being split into two halves here anyway when someone gives up. I have one in my OH's name and one in mine, they are on opposite ends of the same field.
I had mine first then a couple of years later I put his name down and when he was top of the list he got one.

[Farmer_Gyles]

you're not being greedy wanting a 2nd plot .... and the council is not being greedy by splitting plots .... it's just a case of them trying to be fair with the land they have available ....
waiting lists are now several years long in some places .... croydon council closed their list last year as it was already a 3-4 year wait ....
i did have a plot in a neighbouring borough, but had to give it up last summer due to long working hours and lack of car .... circumstances have changed now, i have all the time in the world, i have a car, but i can't even get on a list .....

[alldigging]

You need to get campaigning for more allotment spaces!

Is there any land nearby that could be used for allotments? Stray corners of estates that might be better used for something sensible?
If there's more than 6 people in an area (no size area defined) then the council has a duty to look at getting more allotments.
There's a lot of pressure on council budgets though -and land isn't always available.

Get hold of the allotment waiting list - or spot the land you think could be allotments and then do door to door making enquiries as to who might be interested in having an allotment nearby.


I do think there should be something bought in from govt level - that when new build estates are created that enough 'space for all' is made available. So that young kids have somewhere to play and older people have somewhere to allotment or relax.

Most new builds seem to have tiny tiny gardens barely big enough to swing a courgette plant.

[Farmer_Gyles]

we have a HUUUUUGE field round the corner from me that could be used for allotments .... i've posted it on landshare, hassled the council about it, raised the matter with the residents association ....

[alldigging]

we have a HUUUUUGE field round the corner from me that could be used for allotments .... i've posted it on landshare, hassled the council about it, raised the matter with the residents association ....

Have you got the names and address of (at least) 6 local people who want allotments but are on long waiting lists?

[Farmer_Gyles]

Have you got the names and address of (at least) 6 local people who want allotments but are on long waiting lists?

nope ..... and i don't really have time to go door knocking .... and even if i did, i'm not sure i have the time to do much about a campaign ....

[alldigging]

nope ..... and i don't really have time to go door knocking .... and even if i did, i'm not sure i have the time to do much about a campaign ....

No time for an allotment then?

Campaign wouldn't be hugely time consuming. But it does take a Bit of commitment and time.

[chuffa]

There is land available that was put aside for allotments, but as I said, the Parish Council always break up the plots, saying to any potential allotmenteer, that's all wev'e got, take it or leave it. They should be given the choice to either take a small or larger plot. Then maybe the land would be freed up.

You need to get campaigning for more allotment spaces!

Is there any land nearby that could be used for allotments? Stray corners of estates that might be better used for something sensible?
If there's more than 6 people in an area (no size area defined) then the council has a duty to look at getting more allotments.
There's a lot of pressure on council budgets though -and land isn't always available.

Get hold of the allotment waiting list - or spot the land you think could be allotments and then do door to door making enquiries as to who might be interested in having an allotment nearby.


I do think there should be something bought in from govt level - that when new build estates are created that enough 'space for all' is made available. So that young kids have somewhere to play and older people have somewhere to allotment or relax.

Most new builds seem to have tiny tiny gardens barely big enough to swing a courgette plant.

[chuffa]

I think I will have to do this, it seems like the only choice.

Can you put the plot in your partners name ? we are only allowed one plot whatever size in own name, all whole plots being split into two halves here anyway when someone gives up. I have one in my OH's name and one in mine, they are on opposite ends of the same field.
I had mine first then a couple of years later I put his name down and when he was top of the list he got one.

[Two_Sheds]

It's a difficult one.
We have a waiting list in our town, yet vacant plots are being given to existing tenants so they can have two. A few years back (when I was on the waiting list) some members of the committee had FOUR plots each !

I don't really agree with it

[chris]

Some folks on my site have 4 plots. I don't think it's fair, but as I'm new on the site and want to get a full plot I'm biting my tongue

One chap has a full plot *just* for pumpkins. He doesn't even eat them! Just gives them away at Halloween.

I have thought about joining the association, so I could try and make a statement / improve the situation but I can't devote my Sunday mornings to being down there.

[alldigging]

Our plot rules are from the council - one plot per family.
There are sites however where couples have a plot each - because at some point in the past there was no one on the waiting list.

How you take plots off people who have more than one though?

It does seem horribly unfair to have households who have more than one plot when the rules say they don't - but then unless they choose to give up their plot (and after a lot of work you might not want to) - it's not fair on those on the waiting lists at all though.

[WendyC]

I don't think you can expect people to give up a plot just because there is a waiting list. Presumably they have more than one plot because they were available at the time, i.e. when grow your own wasn't quite so popular. Just because someone decides they want one now why should they give up? Unless of course plots aren't being used but that's a whole new issue. I can't think of any other situation where you can only have one of something as there is a waiting list. Quite a few of our plotters had several plots but gradually (s they've got older) many have come down to one. Mind you our plots are 2.5 rods so having more than one is hardly greedy.