Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does an allotment cost?
The annual rent for allotments is set by the committee at the Annual General Meeting which is usually held in October. Rents are paid from April to April and as of April 2015 the rent is £21 for a half-size plot and £42 for a large plot. These figures vary slightly depending on the size of the plot itself.
How long is the waiting list?
The waiting list is currently approximately 12 months for a plot on any of the sites.
How long can I let an allotment for?
The contract runs for a year, but new tenants have to undertake a two-month probationary period. In this time you have to make sufficient impact on the plot to show you are committed. At the end of the year your tenancy will continue with a new contract.
Are there any rules governing what I can do with my allotment?
The Allotments Act 1922, particularly section 22, sets down in law what an allotment can and can't be used for - including not using an allotment for any trade or business. PHGAS also sets down rules for how a plot can be used - in line with national standards. Your contract and the society's constitution set all the rules out. They include using up to 20 per cent of the site for encouraging wildlife (with written consent); using up to 25 per cent of your plot for growing cut flowers; putting up a shed, greenhouse or polytunnel (with consent) and keeping hens, ducks or pigeons (subject to set rules). This link details the key laws which govern allotments in the UK.
What can't I do with my plot?
Your plot must be kept in a good state of cultivation, free from weeds and tidy. Surrounding paths and access must be kept clear. You can't dispose of or burn commercial waste or any kind of refuse, or allow rubbish to build up on the plot. You can't divide or sublet your plot. Acts of gross misconduct, violence and anti-social behaviour will result in your tenancy being terminated. All these rule and more are detailed in your contract.
How big is an allotment?
Traditionally allotments are measured in old units called rods and a plot could be up to 40 rods. Traditionally a plot is about 90 feet by 30 feet, or between 200 and 250 square metres. Most of our new plots are about half that size. Having smaller plot sizes allows us to offer allotments more quickly.
Can others help me with my allotment?
Family members can help out and you can designate co-workers.
Can I have a bonfire on my plot?
Bonfires are not permitted when or where they are likely to cause a nuisance to other plotholders or neighbours. Please see this poster for permitted times for bonfires.
What if I can't maintain my allotment through ill health?
Contact the society immediately and help may be offered.
Can I keep bees?
The society has a bee plot and you can keep bees with written consent providing you have sufficient experience and public liability insurance.
Can I use sprays and fertilisers?
Providing you take all reasonable care not to contaminate surrounding vegetation and hedgerows or other plots. You should choose products that cause the least possible harm to humans, wildlife and vegetation - such as organically approved items.
Can I take my dog to the allotment?
As long as it is on a lead and under control.
Will my allotment be covered by insurance?
Check with your insurance provider. Your allotment, sheds and other facilities are not covered by the society's insurance policy. Any damage, loss, theft or hazards should be reported to the society immediately.
Can I take children to the allotment?
Allotments are family places and the society encourages children to take an active role. That said, allotments can be dangerous places and parents are responsible for ensuring their children are safe and under control.
Who gets my plot if I die while I am a tenant?
The plot will be offered to a family member or anyone who has genuinely helped maintain it.
How do I terminate my contract?
With six weeks written notice. The plot has to be left clean and tidy with structures removed.
Can I lose my tenancy?
Breaching the rules can lead to you losing your plot. Failing to pay rent can lead to you losing your plot. Failing to maintain the plot may lead to you getting a 'dirty plot' letter. If you get three letters in 12 months you may lose your plot. Even if there are no rule breaches, the society can give you 12 months notice for the determination of your tenancy - or three months if Torbay Council decides to take back the land.
Who decides if my plot is 'dirty' or rules have been broken?
Each of the three sites has two or three site representatives who are on hand to maintain standards and resolve disputes. The committee has the right and responsibility for inspecting plots. Torbay Council as head landlord can also inspect the allotments.
Do I have to have an allotment to be a member of the society?
No. The society is open to all home gardeners and anyone with an interest in gardening and allotments.
How are the officers of the society chosen?
By secret ballot at the AGM. All members are entitled to stand.
What is the best way to start my new plot?
Check here for allotment information, or here for for growing advice from the National Allotment Society. You can also check out this site which has links to lots of useful information for both allotments and gardening.
How much does an allotment cost?
The annual rent for allotments is set by the committee at the Annual General Meeting which is usually held in October. Rents are paid from April to April and as of April 2015 the rent is £21 for a half-size plot and £42 for a large plot. These figures vary slightly depending on the size of the plot itself.
How long is the waiting list?
The waiting list is currently approximately 12 months for a plot on any of the sites.
How long can I let an allotment for?
The contract runs for a year, but new tenants have to undertake a two-month probationary period. In this time you have to make sufficient impact on the plot to show you are committed. At the end of the year your tenancy will continue with a new contract.
Are there any rules governing what I can do with my allotment?
The Allotments Act 1922, particularly section 22, sets down in law what an allotment can and can't be used for - including not using an allotment for any trade or business. PHGAS also sets down rules for how a plot can be used - in line with national standards. Your contract and the society's constitution set all the rules out. They include using up to 20 per cent of the site for encouraging wildlife (with written consent); using up to 25 per cent of your plot for growing cut flowers; putting up a shed, greenhouse or polytunnel (with consent) and keeping hens, ducks or pigeons (subject to set rules). This link details the key laws which govern allotments in the UK.
What can't I do with my plot?
Your plot must be kept in a good state of cultivation, free from weeds and tidy. Surrounding paths and access must be kept clear. You can't dispose of or burn commercial waste or any kind of refuse, or allow rubbish to build up on the plot. You can't divide or sublet your plot. Acts of gross misconduct, violence and anti-social behaviour will result in your tenancy being terminated. All these rule and more are detailed in your contract.
How big is an allotment?
Traditionally allotments are measured in old units called rods and a plot could be up to 40 rods. Traditionally a plot is about 90 feet by 30 feet, or between 200 and 250 square metres. Most of our new plots are about half that size. Having smaller plot sizes allows us to offer allotments more quickly.
Can others help me with my allotment?
Family members can help out and you can designate co-workers.
Can I have a bonfire on my plot?
Bonfires are not permitted when or where they are likely to cause a nuisance to other plotholders or neighbours. Please see this poster for permitted times for bonfires.
What if I can't maintain my allotment through ill health?
Contact the society immediately and help may be offered.
Can I keep bees?
The society has a bee plot and you can keep bees with written consent providing you have sufficient experience and public liability insurance.
Can I use sprays and fertilisers?
Providing you take all reasonable care not to contaminate surrounding vegetation and hedgerows or other plots. You should choose products that cause the least possible harm to humans, wildlife and vegetation - such as organically approved items.
Can I take my dog to the allotment?
As long as it is on a lead and under control.
Will my allotment be covered by insurance?
Check with your insurance provider. Your allotment, sheds and other facilities are not covered by the society's insurance policy. Any damage, loss, theft or hazards should be reported to the society immediately.
Can I take children to the allotment?
Allotments are family places and the society encourages children to take an active role. That said, allotments can be dangerous places and parents are responsible for ensuring their children are safe and under control.
Who gets my plot if I die while I am a tenant?
The plot will be offered to a family member or anyone who has genuinely helped maintain it.
How do I terminate my contract?
With six weeks written notice. The plot has to be left clean and tidy with structures removed.
Can I lose my tenancy?
Breaching the rules can lead to you losing your plot. Failing to pay rent can lead to you losing your plot. Failing to maintain the plot may lead to you getting a 'dirty plot' letter. If you get three letters in 12 months you may lose your plot. Even if there are no rule breaches, the society can give you 12 months notice for the determination of your tenancy - or three months if Torbay Council decides to take back the land.
Who decides if my plot is 'dirty' or rules have been broken?
Each of the three sites has two or three site representatives who are on hand to maintain standards and resolve disputes. The committee has the right and responsibility for inspecting plots. Torbay Council as head landlord can also inspect the allotments.
Do I have to have an allotment to be a member of the society?
No. The society is open to all home gardeners and anyone with an interest in gardening and allotments.
How are the officers of the society chosen?
By secret ballot at the AGM. All members are entitled to stand.
What is the best way to start my new plot?
Check here for allotment information, or here for for growing advice from the National Allotment Society. You can also check out this site which has links to lots of useful information for both allotments and gardening.
