
BURY ST EDMUNDS TOWN COUNCIL

This site is currently being constructed. Please bear with us whilst this is completed.
These FAQ's should be read in conjunction with the Allotment Tenancy Agreement
Is the allotment site secure?
The arrangements in place vary from site to site. Where the site has an entrance gate, this must be closed after entering and leaving the site.
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One site has a combination padlock and the combination is given to each Tenant on that site when they sign their Tenancy Agreement. Tenants must not give out this number to anyone other than those people who regularly assist them with their plot. When you enter the site please leave the padlock on the gate and turn the digits on the padlock to a random number. If you are the last person to leave the site please be sure to shut the gate, secure it iwth the padlock and turn the digits to a random number.
What happens if I need something delivered to my allotment?
When you arrange a delivery you, or someone nominated by you, must be at the allotment site to meet the delivery driver. You must not give the delivery company the combination of the padlock. Please ensure that the vehicle making the delivery does not damage any area of the allotment site. All damage must be reported to the Town Council and rectified by the tenant who ordered the delivery.
What about car parking?
Tenants are asked to use common sense and not to drive on the dirt tracks if they are wet and soft. You must not park your car on your allotment plot, please use the parking areas provided or use off site parking.
What facilities are there at the allotment sites?
Water tanks are provided at most sites. The water supply to the stand pipes is turned off between November and March to prevent freeze damage and burst pipes. Toilet facilities are not provided at any of our allotment sites.
Can I use as much water as I like?
Allotment holders are asked to show respect for other tenants when using this resource. Direct watering of plots using a hosepipe connected to the tap is strictly forbidden. Tenants are asked to refill the tanks after use for the convenience of other tenants.
Can I run a hosepipe from the water tanks?
Hosepipes, siphoning devices and pumps must not be used in or attached to any part of the water tanks. You must not carry out anything which could cause contamination of the water in the tank.
Can I share my plot with a friend?
You must not sublet, assign, or part with possession of the allotment plot or any part of it without the written consent of the Town Council.
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It is permitted for you to ask friends or family to help you with your plot as a whole but you must not give them a specific section to cultivate. If, in the event that you give up the tenancy in the future, your friend or family member might wish to have first right of refusal to take it over. You must have obtained Council's agreement to a shared arrangement. (See clause 3 of your Tenancy Agreement).
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If you are finding that the plot is too big for you to cultivate alone, please contact the Council Offices.
Everything is getting overgrown. Is this ok?
You must keep your allotment plot clean, tidy, free from weeds and in a good state of cultivation and fertility. For environmental reasons foam-backed carpet must not be used for the suppression of weeds on allotments as it is non-biodegradable and chemicals fro the foam may leach into the soil. If black plastic is used to suppress weeds, then it must be firmly pinned down in the earth to prevent it blowing away and becoming a nuisance.
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You should also keep the pathway between the allotment clean and free from weeds.
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If you are finding it difficult to cultivate your plot, please contact the Council Offices.
Bonfires & burning
Burning is not permitted anywhere on the allotment gardens. Incinerators, chimineas, fire pits, barbeques and similar items have no place on the allotment gardens and must not be brought onto site. Bonfires are not permitted anywhere on the allotment.
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Any non compostable material must be removed from the allotment site to the household waste/recycling centre.
Can I cut down trees on the edge of my plot?
No you must not cut or prune trees. If you feel any trees or shrubs on or close to your allotment plot need pruning or cutting back, please contact the Town Council. Do not cut or prune any trees or shrubs yourself. Your request will be considered and you will be advsed of the outcome and any action to be taken.
The hedge near my plot is very overgrown.
It is the responsibility of the Town Council to maintain any hedges or trees outside individual plots. However, you must keep any hedge forming part of your plot properly cut and trimmed. The maximum dimensions for any hedging within your plot is 4' (h) x 2' (w). You must not plant any hedge without written permission from the Town Council. If you are not able to cut or trim your hedge, please contact the Council offices.
Are there any things I shouldn't plant?
You must not plant any trees unless they are dwarf fruiting trees. Additionally, you must not plant or cultivate any crop that is against the law. No more than 50% of the allotment shall be given to the growing of a single crop.
Can I have a shed, greenhouse or polytunnel on my plot?
You must not erect any building or structure on your plot without the prior written consent of the Town Councol. There must be no more thatn 2 permanent structures on any one plot.
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Once you have obtained permission to erect a shed, you must keep it locked when you are not working on your plot, especially if you store any hazardous chemicals/materials or dangerous tolls/instruments.
Can I keep livestock?
You may be permitted to keep Honey Bees, Hens and Rabbits with written consent from the Town Council. No other livestock is permitted.
Can I have a pond on my plot?
No. The Town Council does not permit ponds. (Ponds installed prior to 01 April 06 are permitted)
Can I put a fence around my plot?
You must not erect a fence without written permission from the Town Council. If permission is given it will only be for a chicken wire and wooden post fence. You must not attach anything to, or lean anything up against the boundary fences and walls.
Can I use fresh manure?
Fresh farmyard manure may be stored on your plot but it must not be in a position where it could contaminate a neighbouring plot. N.B. It is not recommended that fresh manure be used directly on crops. It should be allowed to rot down for at least 6 months before use.
How do I dispose of rubbish?
You are encouraged to compost all your compostable waste on your plot. Non compostable materials must be removed from the allotment site to the household waste/recycling centre. Allotment tenants must not deposit or allow other persons to deposit or dump any rubbish on the allotment, or place any matter in the hedges, ditches or dykes surrounding the allotments or adjoining land. If you see rubbish dumped, please contact the Town Council offices.
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If you discover any asbestos on your plot e.g. corrugated sheets from an old shed, you must contact the Town Council and inform them as this must be handled and disposed of separately from other non-compostable waste in accordance with the relevant legislation.
How do I remove vermin from my plot?
Unfortunately, as in any other town or countryside environment, rats & general vermin may be a problem. Compost bins provide nesting places and food sources for them. Bins should be rat-proofed by placing wire underneath and preferably extending wire around the sides of the bin. The Town Council advises that you check compost bins weekly in the winter for signs of rat activity. Check under sheds and pallets for nests and try to avoid giving them places to hide.
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Traps and bait should be placed in sheltered places e.g. in a tunnel made of bricks, so that other larger animals cannot get to it. Follow label guidance for poison baits and protect the bait from rain.
Can I take my dog?
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times when on site. All dog faeces must be removed from the site.
Can I use Pesticides?
When using and sprays or fertilisers, you must:
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* Take all reasonable care to ensure that adjoining hedges, trees and crops are not adversely affected and must make good or replant as necessary should any damage occur; and
* So far as possible select and use chemicals, whether for spraying, seed dressing or for any other purpose whatsoever, that will cause the least harm to members of the public, game birds and other wildlife, other than vermin or pests; and
* Comply at all times with current regulations.
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The Town Council recommends and suggests that organic alternatives should be used in preference to other chemicals.
Are there any legal obligations?
You must at all times observe and comply fully with all enactments, statutory instruments, local, parochial or other bylaws, orders or regulations affecting the allotment site.
Pollution
The tenant of an allotment plot must not contravene the Water Resources Act 1991 or any statutory re-enactment of it.
Who can enter the allotment site?
Officers of the Council may enter and inspect any allotment plot at any time. Only allotment holders (and family or friends who are helping on their allotment) are allowed to enter the allotment site. The general public is not permitted to enter the allotment sites. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE GATE IS CLOSED AFTER YOU ENTER AND LEAVE THE SITE.
Ending my Tenancy.
If you wish to terminate your tenancy agreement, please write/email the Town Council stating your plot number and site and confirming that you wish to terminate your agreement. Whilst there is a waiting list for allotments, you will be able to give up your tenancy without giving the period of notice stated in the Standard Tenancy Conditions document. In any event you will not be eligible for a refund of monies paid.