Who owns allotments in England?

Today, most allotment gardens are on land owned by the municipality, which rents the land to an allotment association. The association in turn gives each member a plot of land.

Who owns allotments UK?

The majority of allotment sites are owned by local authorities and may be termed 'statutory' or 'temporary' where: 'statutory' allotment land is land of which the freehold or very long lease is vested in the allotments authority, and which was either originally purchased for allotments or subsequently appropriated for ...

Are allotments public or private?

An allotment is an area of land, leased either from a private or local authority landlord, for the use of growing fruit and vegetables.

Are allotments a British thing?

Allotments are very common in the UK cities too but they are not a uniquely British thing. There's a variety of reasons people have allotments. Obviously growing your own fruit and veg is at the top of the list for most people.

What is the allotment law in the UK?

The Allotment Acts gives allotment holders some security of tenure. Their tenancies cannot be terminated unless: at least 12 months' notice to quit has been given to the allotment holder expiring on or before 6 April or on or after 29 September in any year; or.

The Truth About Britain’s Allotment Waiting List

Who is responsible for allotments?

Section 23 of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 places a duty on local authorities including parish councils (except for inner London boroughs) to provide allotments where they perceive a demand for them in their area. There is however no time constraints within which to provide land.

Who owns allotment land?

Today, most allotment gardens are on land owned by the municipality, which rents the land to an allotment association. The association in turn gives each member a plot of land.

Can you buy an allotment UK?

Unfortunately most allotments are only available to rent and very few allotments are for sale.

What are the rules of allotments?

Keeping the plot to in reasonable state; weed-free and tidy. Not to use for commercial use; for personal use only. Not to cause any issues for the occupiers of other allotments or obstruct any path used by the other occupiers of surrounding allotments. No subletting the plot without the written consent of the landlord.

What is the average age of allotment owners?

The average age of holders was found to be 57, with men typically older than women. Demand for allotments has quadrupled since 2006 with the average waiting list in London now five years, they found.

Can I give my allotment to a friend?

It is the tenant's responsibility to make the site manager aware. The council or site manager will not be able to provide refunds. You are responsible for the allotment and may not sublet it or pass the tenancy on to anyone else, and you must notify the site manager in writing if you intend to give up your plot.

Can you sell your allotment?

Allotment Gardens Cannot Be a Business

The key legal restriction is contained in the Allotments Act 1922, whereby there is a general prohibition on any “trade or business”1 being conducted on the allotment garden or any part thereof.

Is it legal to live on an allotment?

Allotments are generally owned by the council (who also have a statutory obligation to provide allotments). An allotment holder is subject the agreement with the council to use the allotment and local planning law. The allotment agreement and planning law would both not permit a shed/structure being used for residence.

Why do the British have allotments?

The English allotment system began several centuries ago, when landlords, often fearing civil unrest, would “allot” small parcels of land to the poor.

Can you make money from an allotment?

Sell Organic Produce At The Market

The perfect garden enterprise – the organic market. You can grow fruit and vegetables in your personal allotments and then sell on to hungry buyers. This is a larger project that will require more time, experience and money that others listed here – but the rewards will be worthwhile.

Do people pay for allotments?

Allotments are rented on a yearly basis. Rent is due on 1 October each year. If you take on a plot after 1 April, you will receive a 50% discount.

What is not allowed in allotment?

No toxic or hazardous substances or contaminated waste or tyres should be stored or brought onto the Site. Any dog (including Guide Dogs) brought onto the Site must be kept on a lead at all times. Animals or livestock (except hens or rabbits) must not be kept on Allotment Gardens.

What should you not do in an allotment?

How many hours a week does an allotment need?

Plan your plot

This might need eight hours' work a week for inexperienced gardeners, but half that for experienced ones.

Can I sell food from my allotment?

The Allotments Act 1922 has a general prohibition on any "trade or business" being conducted on an allotment. But allotments are allowed to have an allotment shop, which councils tend to regard as fund-raising rather than a business.

Can allotments ever be built on?

Under the Allotments Act 1925, councils can only develop statutorily protected allotment land with the permission of the secretary of state, and only if strict criteria are met. In reality such requests are rarely turned down.

Can you sleep at an allotment?

b) Overnight sleeping on the allotment is strictly prohibited. clearly displayed in a prominent position at the front of the allotment plot. The font size must be large enough to easily identify the plot number.

Are allotments protected?

Only 'statutory' allotment sites have legal protection: the Allotments Act 1925 provides that the Secretary of State must be asked for consent before a 'statutory' allotment site can be disposed of by a local authority.

Can you sell allotment land?

Section 8 of the Allotments Act 1925 states – “Where a local authority has purchased or appropriated land for use as allotments the local authority shall not sell, appropriate, use or dispose of the land for any purpose other than use for allotments without the consent of the Secretary of State”.

Can an allotment feed a family?

If managed properly, an allotment can produce enough food to supplement a family's weekly shop, with fresh fruit and vegetables over the year. Allotment gardeners can choose to garden organically and avoid ingesting chemicals that are likely to be present on shop bought fruit and vegetables.