Bonfire and Incinerator Policy
Bonfires are not permitted on any allotment site. Each tenant is permitted an incinerator to burn organic matter only.
Incinerators to be supervised at all times.
Incinerator burning to only occur between the times of 12pm to 6pm (April 1st – October 31st) & 12pm to 4pm (November 1st – March 31st)
No material other than that produced on your plot is to be burnt on site.
Only burn when suitable weather conditions permit to avoid causing a nuisance to local residents (wind drift etc.)
Only organic matter such as wood, plant pruning’s and dry vegetable matter to be burnt.
Non-vegetable matter such as plastic, rubber, roofing felt or bitumen, carpet, etc. shall not be burnt. Flammable liquids shall not be burnt or used to light
fires.
Extinguish the fire before leaving the site - do not let the fire smoulder after you have gone.
Only burn on your own plot, do not light fires for others.
In the event of a reasonable complaint to the plot holder from another tenant, or a member of the public, with regard to a nuisance being caused the bonfire must be extinguished immediately.
The first 12 months of your tenancy is a probationary period, and you’ll only need to cultivate 50% your plot. After your first year this increases to 75%. If you don’t achieve this, we can end your tenancy.
The cultivation area is for vegetables, fruit and flowers, and includes beds, glasshouses, poly tunnels and composting areas. It is not for lawn or wildflowers. The remaining 25% is for a shed, your leisure area and fruit trees.
You can have a one metre wide path running the full length of your plot. Paths that are wider than one metre are counted as part of the non-cultivated area.
The cultivated area is defined as the area that is cultivated for crop or flower production. Cultivation requires the tenant to regularly dig or mulch, or prune and weed 75% of the plot. Compost bins, glass houses, water butts, poly- tunnels and fruit cages are also included within the cultivated area, as are ornamental flower crops. Areas of lawn or meadow are not included within the cultivated area.
Allotments must be kept clean and maintained in a good state of cultivation (minimum 75% in cultivation) and fertility throughout the year. An area that is annually cleared of weeds yet remains uncropped or un-planted during any one year will be considered as non-cultivated. The whole plot, including any uncultivated/leisure areas, must be kept tidy, safe and free from flowering weeds.
All trees, bushes and hedging over the absolute height of 2.5 metres (or 8 feet) in height are in breach of allotment rules and will lead to a notice and possible termination.
Tenants must not, without consent of a RTC officer, cut or prune
trees outside of their own allotment or plant any trees which will exceed an absolute height of 2.5 metres (or 8 feet) and/or allow self-seeded trees to grow on their allotment, including any that are growing through a perimeter fencing.
Fruit trees are permitted but will normally be included within the 25% of non- cultivated area. Where fruit trees are planted outside of the 25% non- cultivated leisure area, the soil beneath fruit trees must be planted with productive crops or other plants in accordance with cultivation rules.
Tenants who have fruit trees that have grown above 2.5 metres will be served a notice instructing them to prune trees to an acceptable height. Where trees are not pruned back to an acceptable height then RTC reserves the right to prune back trees and charge the cost to the tenant.
The council reserves the right to enter any plot, with or without the consent of the tenant, to remove oversized trees and plants over 2.5 metres (or 8 feet) in height as well as cut down excessive and seeding weed growth or overgrown grass. If the removed vegetation has been planted by the tenant then removal costs will be charged to the tenant. Failure to pay for removal costs will result in tenancy termination.
Invasive plants such as bamboo, all types of willow and fast growing conifers (including Christmas trees) are not permitted. If the invasive plants are not removed by the tenant then the tenancy will be terminated and plants removed at cost to the tenant.
Tenants are responsible for maintaining any hedge on or abutting their plot. They should be kept to a height of around 2 metres with an absolute maximum height of 2.5 metres (8 feet). Hedge sides shall be trimmed at least once per year so as not to obstruct pedestrian access.
Where hedges abut a perimeter boundary, road or vehicular haulage way, RTC is responsible for maintaining the outside and top.
RTC may remove overgrown hedges if they obstruct access.
Hedges should not be cut back during the bird nesting season, which runs from 1st March - 1st September.
The use of sunken baths as ponds or for water storage is not permitted on safety grounds. Baths being brought onto the allotment space by an existing tenant will be seen as unwanted waste and will result in a tenant being put on notice. Historical baths brought on site before the 2023 rule review that are both functional and above ground will be exempt.
Tenants must use their allotment and any structures on it for their own personal use and must not carry out any business or sell produce from it (unless sold for the benefit of charity).
Tenants may not use their allotment as a place of residence and/or sleep overnight.
The allotment is rented to the tenant for the purpose of cultivation of herb, flower, fruit and vegetable crops.
Only materials for use on the plot may be stored there, such as beanpoles, cloches, pots and netting for seasonal use.
Construction materials, paving and timber for infrastructure work must be used within 12 months.
Quantities in excess of the above will be regarded as unacceptable and the tenant ordered to remove them. Failure to do so will result in the materials being removed by the council the tenant charged with the cost and notice of termination given.
All tools are the responsibility of the tenant to keep secure and safe. We suggest you bring tools and machinery with you and take them home when you leave.
If you choose to leave tools on site please ensure they are locked securely away.
RTC is not liable for loss by accident, fire, theft or damage of any structures, tools, plants or contents on allotment. Tenants are advised not to store any items of value on the allotment and to insure and mark any items kept at the allotment.
Tenants should report incidents of theft and vandalism to their site representative and the police.
The tenant must pay the invoiced rent within 40 days of the due date
The rent year runs from the 1st September to 31st August. Tenants taking up any an allotment within the rent year will normally be invoiced for the remainder of the year with a pro rata amount.
A tenant may voluntarily relinquish their allotment at any time, or have their tenancy terminated for breach of the tenancy agreement before year end but no rebate will be payable unless the plot is surrendered within the initial 3 month probationary period.
New tenants will be responsible for recording initial plot condition by taking photographs of the plot at the time of accepting tenancy.
The departing tenant shall remove any items or derelict structures from there plot before the end of the tenancy. RTC will dispose of any such material not removed by the tenant. The full cost of disposal shall be charged to the outgoing tenant.
Rent may be increased at any time provided the council takes reasonable steps to give at least six months’ notice by way of signs on notice boards and gates, or by newsletters etc. Failure to give notice to any individual tenant will not invalidate the tenants rent increase.
COMMUNITY PLANNING COMMITTEE ALLOTMENT RENT POLICY
Waste regulations apply to materials brought on site by existing tenants. It is the responsibility of the new tenant to instruct the council to take away waste left on site within the first month of taking a plot. The new tenant may also gather photographic evidence of any potential polluting materials on site when they take on the plot.
Waste from external sources, including green waste, may not be deposited on the allotment or any other part of the site. Abuse will result in immediate tenancy termination and prosecution.
The bringing on site and use of polluting materials such as tyres, asbestos, glass and carpet shall be treated as illegal disposal of waste and will result in immediate notification and referral for prosecution.
The bringing on site and use of rubble and hardcore for paths and other forms of construction is prohibited. The bringing on site of tyres, plastic or metal materials such as shelving, angle iron or bath tubs - as well as other timber and plastic materials not relating to crop production is prohibited. Bringing such materials on site will result in a notice and possible termination.
The creation of concrete pad footings for sheds or green houses, or concrete pads for paving, or any solid brick and cement structures is prohibited. Narrow concrete and brick footings will be allowed for a glass house.
All non-diseased vegetative matter shall be composted and used on the tenant’s allotment. Diseased plants and perennial weeds can be burned in an incinerator.
The council reserves the right to clear overgrown plots that are currently tenanted and are causing a nuisance. The tenant will be charged the full cost on each occasion that this occurs.
In the event that a tenant is put on notice for excessive materials such a timber, metal, carpet or tyres being left on plot, and if the tenant does not clear such materials, then the council reserves the right to clear such materials and reclaim costs from the tenant.
If tenants witness someone illegally fly tipping rubbish onto allotment land they should immediately contact the police.
COMMUNITY PLANNING COMMITTEE WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY
Water is one of the largest running costs over the allotment sites and as a council one of the areas we are continually looking to improve on is sustainability. Therefore, this policy is written taking this and the impact to our environment into consideration as well as seeking the advice of the National Allotment Society.
RTC strongly advocate the use of watering cans from the filling from water butts throughout the year.
All forms of flood or sprinkler irrigation is forbidden, and these items will be removed. A written notice will be issued if you use these watering systems.
You can run a temporary hose from your main tap to your plot for hand watering or to fill a water butt. You can then fill watering cans when you need to.
Hoses are to remain unattached from taps and stored away properly when not in use.
The water supply on allotments is shared between all tenants. We ask that you remember this, especially during busy times.
Any structures on your plot, such as greenhouses or sheds require the harvesting of water, through having a secured water butt or other water container in place.
All water storage sources are to be cover and insulated to reduce the risk of legionella.
Water containers that store water need to be secured and safe for animals and children.
Water mains will be turned on between April 1st and October 31st
Permanent piping leading to a plot from a tap or mains pipe is not allowed. If you make connections to the allotment water pipes, interfere with or adjust the
allotment stopcocks under any circumstances we will result in the termination of your tenancy.
If you notice a leaking tap or pipe, note the number of the nearest plot or have any issues with accessing water supply please inform a member or RTC at the earliest opportunity on 811115 send an email to facilities@rydetowncouncil.gov.uk
We strongly recommend watering in the morning or evening when it's cooler.
Watering during the hottest part of the day can lead to 90% of the water being lost through evaporation. You can also use surface mulches to reduce water loss from the soil.
A hose pipe can use over 1000 litres of water in just one hour, which is more than the average household uses in an entire day.
When using water storage containers. Adding half a teaspoon of cooking oil will spread a film across the top of the water that will prevent mosquitos breeding.
Further information and advice from the NAS can be found here:
A5_Water_260213_HiRes.pdf (nsalg.org.uk)
Please see terms for breaches of tenancy agreement and Notice to Quit policy. Ryde Town Council has written this policy to ensure that the tenant has every opportunity possible to rectify any breaches they have made and maintain the tenancy of their plot.
Descriptions of what is classed as a breach of contract can be found in the tenancy agreement as well as additional policies found on our website.
The Town Council understand that tenants may have periods of illness or find tending their allotment difficult for a variety of personal reasons. The Council are keen to support tenants, to avoid having tenancies terminated allotment holders are encouraged to contact the Council at the earliest opportunity if they are experiencing any difficulties. The Council will endeavour to support them to maintain their tenancy if they wish to retain their allotment.
If upon weekly site inspections it is noticed that there may be a breach of tenancy agreement upon individual plots, a member of RTC will contact the tenant to open communication in the first instance to inform them of the breach and ask them to rectify within 28 days.
28 days following this a full plot inspection will be carried out, including photos. The plot holder will be informed of the date of this via the first contact as mentioned above.
If the breach has been rectified no further action will be taken at this point.
If upon inspection the breach is still outstanding, a further notice will be issued to the tenant. Giving 14 days to rectify. Failure to comply with this will result in a Notice to Quit being served.
Once a Notice to Quit has been served there will be no opportunity to revoke this. As stated in the tenancy agreement the tenant has 28 days to clear the plot of any personal belongings.
Any belongings left on the plot will be removed or passed on to the next tenant to re-use or recycle as appropriate.
If the plot requires additional work and clearance to rectify so that it is in a suitable state to re-let, the tenant will forfeit their deposit which will be used towards the cost of completing this.
Any large items that require disposal to the local waste management site will be removed by the council and the tenant may be charged for these costs.
If a tenant wishes to return the plot notice may be given by the tenant.
By RTC giving the tenant 12 months’ notice in writing.
By the Tenant at any time, giving prior written notice to RTC.
If the Tenant surrenders a plot part way through the year, no refunds will be given.
By re-entry by RTC at any time after giving 3 months’ previous notice in writing to the Tenant on account of the allotment garden being required:
for any purpose (not being the use of the same for agriculture) for which it has been appropriated under any statutory provision; or for building, mining or any other industrial purposes or for roads or sewers necessary in connection with any of those purposes.
By re-entry by RTC at any time after giving one month's previous notice in writing to the Tenant if the rent or any part of it is in arrears for not less than 40 days, whether legally demanded or not;
If it appears to RTC that
there has been a breach of the conditions and agreements on the part of the Tenant contained in this Agreement and provided that at least 3 months have elapsed since the commencement of the tenancy;
the Tenant has not duly observed the rules affecting the allotment made by or in pursuance of the Allotments Act 1908. (around the rules of notice to quit)
By RTC, at its discretion, giving one month’s notice if the tenant is resident more than one mile outside of RTC’s boundaries.