rules about getting an allotment

[colin]

I have recently moved to an area where there are 3  allotments currently held by the same person but nothing is grown on them except "wild flowers" and fruit trees, most of the area is grass.
I have approached the local parish council who has advised me that the current holder does not wish to give them up. This seems a waste as my family would like to use one for the purpose for which they were intended i.e. growing our own veg etc. Are there any rules about the use of allotments. Has anyone got any advice/help?

[colin]

[fat larry]

find another spot?? can't really argue with fruit trees. whta about colonising some waste ground, never know how long you'll keep it for, but ...

bit at back of your garden maybe?

[Roy Bham UK]

Can you not get hold of a copy of the rules and regs: ??? as I read on here not long ago that certain councils/parishes require you to use at least 75% of your Lottie for veggies. ;)

[Jesse]

I don't see anything wrong with someone having fruit trees and wild flowers on an allotment. Provided they are paying their rent and not leaving the plots neglected then what is the harm? Everyone has different ideas of what is important to grow, we don't all like to grow the same things. Perhaps put your name on a waiting list or find another allotment site that has vacancies.

[Derek]

Hasn't the term 'allotment' been extended to include 'leisure gardening' to reflect modern thinking and become more attractive?

If this is the case you may be unlucky in obtaining one of these plots

Derek

[Granny_Smith]

I agree with Jesseveve.
Our site has all sorts of plots on it. Not everyone wants to grow neat rows of veggies all the time. Some folks on ours don't have gardens at home, so they use their allotments for their leisure and pleasure activities. As long as they pay their rent and keep the area tidy, no-one objects.
Colin - I know it is frustrating when you are keen to get a plot and grow veg for your family, but I can only agree with Jesseveve, put your name down on the waiting list. It may not be such a long wait.

[growmore]

Our rules are at least 2 thirds to be cultivated..This can be fruit,, flowers lawns etc .
No stipulation on what you grow as long as it is kept  neat and tidy.
Some guys specialise in flowers and dont grow veg at all..Jim...

[derbex]

Ours just state that a plot must be cultivated -and I've done what the other chap has (on a half-plot,) planted fruit trees and I'm intending to grow grass/meadow under them.

Jeremy.

[salad muncher]

With regards to council run lotties I was told that we were not allowed to plant trees as cost ( Compensation) to owner of lottie if land is  ever taken away would be to much same with asparagus. but just looked in handbook and not a thing mentioned in thereseems to be a do what you will as long as you pay your rent.

[Roy Bham UK]

most of the area is grass.

Is it unkempt grass or is it like a bowling green? if it's the afore mentioned I would think it is totally unfare to allow someone to have Three plots run in this state >:(

[djbrenton]

Interestingly this section has never been altered to acknowledge the way allotments are changing.

Allotments Act 1922
Section 22 defines 'allotment gardens' as 'an allotment not exceeding forty poles in extent which is mainly cultivated by the occupier for the production of vegetables and fruit crops for consumption by himself or his family'.

[Sarah-b]

I can see how someone would see that as unfair - to have 3 plots when someone hasn't even got one. But must be lovely for those people with their orchardesque type plots!
Feel sorry for Colin who must be frustrated.
Just an idea - how about chatting them up a bit and informally asking them if you can have a section of one of their plots - a subletting arrangement? I know on some plots all sorts of arrangements are created by friendly gardening types... (but can also appreciate that this might not be appropriate in this case?)

Sarah.