Allotments - charter

The allotment charter describes our objectives and activities. We are committed to progressively improving the condition of our allotments.

Our Objective is to:

• Develop sites to provide secure, tidy and practical allotments; giving our plot holders the opportunity for healthy relaxation, pleasure and social contact
• Encourage the maximum take up of plots by a wide range of residents
• Pursue a friendly and co-operative relationship with our plot holders leading to a partnership approach to managing the site

Our Assets

Each site is accessible by vehicle, fenced, gated and provided with a water supply.

Following the recent consultation with plot holders a number of actions have been put in place:

• The Allotment Officer's role is to promote the effective use of allotments in conjunction with allotment tenants. Wherever possible requests for action are dealt with directly by the Allotments Officer who can be contacted on 0121 704 6516.
• Maintaining Access - grassed roadways and pathways are maintained monthly between March and October. We ask allotment tenants to keep all items well away from the edge of paths to ensure clear access around the site.
• A number of vacant plots on each site will be kept in a cultivated condition so that the condition of the plots does not act as a deterrent to potential tenants.
• An annual programme of works will be prepared in conjunction with the Allotment Working Party taking in to account allotment holders' views. We will consider initiatives to maximise the use of available funding and attract additional resources. These will be prioritised in relation to need and available finance and be in addition to the regular maintenance required. In addition any fly tipping will be removed and essential minor repairs carried out.
• Sites will be kept tidy in partnership with allotment holders. We have a commitment to recycling and encourage plot holders to compost all green waste. To assist with disposal of non-compostable waste (eg. plant pots, broken canes) there is a monthly collection of rubbish from each site. Plot holders are asked to bag items where possible and ensure that each bag weighs less than 15kg. It must be noted that this collection is for rubbish generated during the cultivation of allotments only and anyone observed bringing items on to the site will be prosecuted.
• The Tenancy Agreement will be reviewed annually to see if it needs to be updated or amended in any way. Particular attention will be given to the question of uncultivated plots. Tenants of such plots will be contacted and reminded of their obligations and the termination conditions. Hardship and illness will be taken into account but tenancy agreements will be terminated in the event of long term non-cultivation.
• Allotments Forum - We arrange an annual meeting each February which is open to all tenants. Council Members and Officers will be present to discuss any matters relevant to the running of allotments.
• Publicity - We actively promote allotments and the health benefits of leisure gardening to all sections of the community.

Contact Details

Should you have any questions or would like further information on renting an allotment plot, then please contact us:

Telephone - 0121 704 8000

Email: - connectcc@solihull.gov.uk