Allotment change of rules

[Pompeylottie]

We have had our 3 x 5 rod plots for over 7 years, we took two plots on first and when a neighbouring plot became vacant 6 years ago the council were happy for us to take this on too, there were no waiting lists in those days and loads of vacant plots. Now there is a long waiting list they are considering making the maximum anyone can have to be 10 rods, so we will probably have one of our plots taken away.

We have worked hard on these plots, we have planted three fruit trees and a large asparagus bed on the plot we would have to give up, we have invested much money and effort in conditioning the soil. I know this sounds selfish as so many people are waiting for plots but if the council tightened up their dirty plot system and rented empty plots more quickly this would reduce the waiting list more efficiently.
And if they are reducing to 10 rods - what's to stop them reducing everyone to 5 rods next? Has anyone had this happen on their allotments?

[Alison]

It doesn't really seem fair if you have been actively working these plots for some years and it would seem more appropriate to put the rule in for any future plots. Personally I'd be embarrassed to find out that I'd taken over a plot from somebody like this. If the worse comes to the worse are there any of your plots were you'd lose less permanent crops?

[SarzWix]

Our site has brought in this rule, but it is based on new rentals - anyone with existing plots is allowed to keep them unless there are any 'non-cultivation' problems. I think you would have a good case to campaign for the same on your site.

[Snadger]

Our site has brought in this rule, but it is based on new rentals - anyone with existing plots is allowed to keep them unless there are any 'non-cultivation' problems. I think you would have a good case to campaign for the same on your site.

Totally agree Sarz............this is the only 'fair' option.

I am running at 20 rod now with two full allotments but I would say as much as 50 % of our allotments are derelict even though the rents have been payed. Resources would be better used chasing up these 'Ghost' plotholders than trying to take away well used plots from committed gardeners!

[Two_Sheds]

Another one agreeing with Sarz

[chris]

My council say there's no land to use - but there's LOADS of land, even around the estate that I live on - but due to the estate rules, it can't be an allotment as it'll look untidy - same as not allowing parking on the streets, nor commercial vans to be parked on the estate (though, that seems to be over looked)... if they're so fussy about untidyness - then why don't they just disallow structures? It's probably ear-marked for future development, but still is frustrating.

I'd be fuming too, but as above sure you will have good ground to stand on.

[jackie j]

All full plots here are being split to half plots but only to vacant plots. It helps reduce the waiting list short term.

[Hans Mum]

another agreeing with Sarz its what happens on out site & if anybody moans we tell them that if it wasnt for people taking 2 or 3 or 4 plots when allotments were in decline the site wouldnt be there now

[SarzWix]

Yep, same here HM. And we only have a couple of multiple plot-holders now anyway, as the others have gotten older they've either given up one or two plots or have retired altogether from it and so their plots have been split back up. Anyone on the waiting list who gets one of these plots is very lucky indeed as the soil is marvellous, the structures are in good nick and the permanent plantings are all highly productive

[Aberdeenplotter]

In Scotland, we are entitled by law to hold the equivalent of 4 full sized plots(4 x 300 squ yards). I would be very surprised if the English legislation doesn't also provide a similar entitlement. Look up the law on here and then quote it to your local authority.

[Snadger]

In Scotland, we are entitled by law to hold the equivalent of 4 full sized plots(4 x 300 squ yards). I would be very surprised if the English legislation doesn't also provide a similar entitlement. Look up the law on here and then quote it to your local authority.

Scottish law is probably tied to 'Crofters' law?

[Pompeylottie]

Thanks for all your support everyone, I found out only yesterday about the council meeting this Thursday to decide whether they will limit existing plots to 10 rods only by accident . I happened to go in the neighbourhood allotment shop and they had only just found out by accident themselves - otherwise they would have had no opposition at all! No one seems to have been notified officially. Talk about underhand. I know I would feel differently if I had been waiting for 2 years for a plot but do feel if they were firmer and more organised about dirty plots they would gain more plots that way.

[gojiberry]

Totally agree that dirty plots should be targeted first, and that restriction of the number of plots held should not be retrograde.

Ian

[Pompeylottie]

Just as an update - I went to the council meeting this morning, even though we only knew about this on Sunday we managed to get about 10 of us there, I had asked to speak and I put our case including my responses on this forum - that no one that got back to me has this rule to take plots away from plot holders to share out - and they withdrew their recommendation - we are allowed to keep our plots! They have agreed to tighten up their dirty plot inspections and letters, with the help of the Allotment Association, this should hopefully free up quite a few plots. Thanks for all your help everyone.

[Snadger]

Just as an update - I went to the council meeting this morning, even though we only knew about this on Sunday we managed to get about 10 of us there, I had asked to speak and I put our case including my responses on this forum - that no one that got back to me has this rule to take plots away from plot holders to share out - and they withdrew their recommendation - we are allowed to keep our plots! They have agreed to tighten up their dirty plot inspections and letters, with the help of the Allotment Association, this should hopefully free up quite a few plots. Thanks for all your help everyone.

Result!!!!!!!