Allotment guidelines

Site Rules for Allotments

1. allotment holders must keep their plots clean and tidy, including the paths and verges, and cultivate them properly at the right times
   
   
2. all rubbish from the allotments should be disposed of by the plot holder in a proper manner
   1. no rubbish should be brought on to the allotments
      
      
3. garden Materials should be composted
   
   
4. when entering and leaving the site, gates should be closed behind you and locked
   
   
5. all cars should be parked on a car park where available. Entry to the site should only be through the gates
   1. tracks must not be blocked
      
      
6. fences bounding the allotments must be kept clear of weeds
   
   
7. dogs must always be kept under control on the allotments, preferably on a leash
   
   
8. no one should enter onto another allotment garden without the consent of the plot holder
   
   
9. storage of items such as caravans, trailers and horse boxes is not permitted on allotment gardens
   
   
10. anti-social behaviour is not allowed at any time
    1. this can include drinking alcohol and use of illegal substances
       
       
11. as a plot holder you will need to respect your fellow plot holders. Tenants have a duty of care to each other and also to visitors to the allotment site
    
    
12. an allotment requires commitment to maintain it to a reasonable standard
    1. a plot holder's responsibilities, includes maintaining and cultivating the allotment, and keeping it weed free throughout the year

Livestock at Wakefield Council Allotments

Under the allotments act, allotment holders are allowed to keep some hens and rabbits. This can be in addition to their plot being used for gardening purposes.

This permission does not allow livestock to be kept in a way that is prejudicial to health or cause a nuisance.

In practice plot holders will be limited to twelve birds / foul and or twelve rabbits.

No cockerels are allowed to be kept at any time. Any plot holder found to be keeping cockerels may have their tenancy terminated immediately.

All other poultry, livestock and cultivated life forms (e.g., Bees) can only be kept with the express consent in writing from the Council.

No livestock can be kept for commercial purposes.

All livestock must be kept to the satisfaction of the Council. The Council will need to approve how livestock is kept. Plot holders are responsible for preventing pests by controlling animal feed.

Bonfires

Bonfires (where allowed) should only be lit under the following circumstances. Only dry, garden materials should be burnt, when the wind will carry the smoke away from neighbouring houses.

Bonfires must never be left unattended. No rubbish should be brought on to the allotments for burning.

Bonfires can only be lit one hour before dusk and not at weekends.

Cultivation

You are expected to keep your allotment garden in a clean and tidy state of cultivation at all times of the year.

1. it is recommended to use a commercially produced sectional building.
   1. this must meet approved planning and design standards
   2. otherwise, any proposed structure must meet a similar standard and be kept in good repair
      
      
2. allotment buildings and bases should be temporary and of conventional design
   
   
3. no bricks, concrete or similar bonded materials should be used in making a building
   
   
4. the building shall be erected at least one metre from each plot boundary
   1. this should conform with any established building line
   2. wood or metal preservative is recommended
      
      
5. sheds and Lofts should be supported at least 6 inches off the ground
   1. this is to reduce possibility of rat infestation
      
      
6. before starting to build a structure on your allotment plot, you need a written request and a plan of the proposed location
   1. this should be sent to the Property Management section for approval
   2. any permission received does not constitute Planning Approval
   3. separate permissions may be required from Planning and/or Building Control
      
      
7. any permission given will be subject to review at any time determined by the Council
   1. this will be withdrawn should the building fall into disrepair or should the applicant vacate the plot
      
      
8. at the end of the tenancy, any added buildings must be removed, and the plot should be restored to its original condition
   
   
9. no asbestos products should be used on allotment sites

Crime Prevention on Allotments

The council is currently working with the West Yorkshire Police in lowering Crime on its Allotments.

We support the initiative to reduce crime and provide tenants with crime prevention advice.  See 'External Links' for the police website.

Your information will be kept safe and, by law, may be shared with other departments and agencies to prevent and detect crime and fraud.