8 x 10ft tunnel, big enough?

[Lazgaot]

I'm thinking of putting up a tunnel on our allotment next year but the Allotment rules state that the largest greenhouse/tunnel we can put up is 8 x 12ft. The problem is that the tunnels come in 5ft spans, so it'll have to be 8 x 10ft. I've spoken to the council and they aren't willing to budge on the rules unless I get planning permission.
Does anyone have experience of this and also is an 8 x 10ft tunnel worth the investment? I had my heart set on an 8 x 15....

[veggiechicken]

Have an 8x10 & an 8x5?

[Aberdeenplotter]

How can they look for planning permission for a poly tunnel, it's just a big cloche. Tell them it isn't a building you are putting up.- Definition of building: Permanent or temporary structure enclosed within exterior walls and a roof.

[VirginVegGrower]

You'd be surprised how pedantic some councils can be. We are not allowed any structures without permission, but you ask and they say no. I have an 8x 10 greenhouse at home which is a decent growing space.

[SarzWix]

Different polytunnel companies do different sizes of tunnel, so you don't have to go with that size. Also, you can ring up the ones advertising 8x10 and ask them if they do one 2 ft bigger - I did that just the other day because the size I want isn't listed and they said it was no problem to configure them to different lengths

[Lazgaot]

Different polytunnel companies do different sizes of tunnel, so you don't have to go with that size. Also, you can ring up the ones advertising 8x10 and ask them if they do one 2 ft bigger - I did that just the other day because the size I want isn't listed and they said it was no problem to configure them to different lengths

Thats interesting, I'll try that. Thanks.

[Premier Polytunnels]

Hi Lazgaot,

Good to hear you are interested in joining the flourishing world of polytunnels.

I am sorry to hear you are bound by the local council's rules. Some allotments won't allow polytunnels at all, which is sad news.

But the good news is that it is not a problem for most polytunnel manufacturers to create a bespoke polytunnel of the desired size of 8ft wide x 12ft long (at 4ft spacings, rather than 5ft). Alternatively, if you wanted to buy direct online, you can simply shorten a 15ft long to the required 12ft long. (Please note; a standard 10ft long bought online could not be extended to 12ft as the polythene cover is supplied to the correct size/to fit 10ft).

Just as Martin (our director) always manages to fill his huge garage full of cars and motorbikes, no matter what size of polytunnel you get, you will always fill it! The beauty of a polytunnel is that it can always be extended in length at a later date (and moved to another site, if need be), although we would suggest this is done when the polythene cover requires replacing in order to keep costs down.

The 8ft wide is a popular size for the first time polytunnel grower or amateur gardener.

Many 8ft wide polytunnels, like the ones available from Premier Polytunnels, have an overall height of approx 6ft 8in, with straight sides of 3ft 6in which allow for ample growing space right up the edge for taller, specialist plants, even when using staging.

Good luck with your polytunnel purchase.

Deborah (Premier Polytunnels).