What can allotments be used for?

An allotment is an area of land, leased either from a private or local authority landlord, for the use of growing fruit and vegetables. In some cases this land will also be used for the growing of ornamental plants, and the keeping of hens, rabbits and bees.

What are the rules for allotments?

Permissible activities

keeping the plot free of weeds and keeping it in good condition;
not to use the allotment for the purpose of any trade or business;
not to cause any nuisance or annoyance to the occupiers of other allotments or obstruct any path used by the other occupiers of surrounding allotments;

Why are allotments so popular?

The Great War 1914 -1918 During the First World War Germany’s blockade caused food shortages which increased the demand for allotments. These parcels of land were often allotted to the railway workers and this is the reason that you will often see allotments by railway lines today.

Are allotments protected?

73. 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.

What are the disadvantages of allotments?

A list of common disadvantages of owning an allotment: Allotments that have been used to grow fruit and vegetables for many years (some for over 60 years) will harbour many pests and diseases. As the land is never allowed to go fallow, pest populations can build-up and can be difficult to eradicate.

Can allotments be sold?

In particular, there are duties placed on certain councils to provide allotments (2) and that means that they cannot be sold or used for other purposes without the consent of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (3). In addition, allotment sites are also subject to the planning system.

Can you keep chickens on an allotment?

Under the 1950 Allotment Act, the keeping of hens and rabbits is permitted on allotments and viewed as an allotment holder’s right, so long as they are for the tenants own use and not for business or profit.

Can you legally live on an allotment?

You are not legally entitled to reside on an allotment and the council cannot grant you permission to live there however they might ignore the fact that you are living there as councils have in the other cases I found.

Are allotments good for you?

In terms of physical health, Dobson notes that on top of the exercise involved in growing, people who have allotments are also “more likely to get their five-a-day fruit and vegetables than people who don’t grow their own food”. “The true benefits of allotments have been realised in these difficult times,” he says.

Can people build on allotments?

Building on statutory allotment land is only allowed when the allotment holders are offered alternative sites. Despite these controls, many people have asked for the provision of more allotments to satisfy demand.

Is it worth having an allotment?

An allotment is a great way to ensure you get a regular supply of fresh fruit and vegetables! Allotments are plots of land given to local community members so they can grow their own fruit and vegetables. The tradition dates back hundreds of years, to when poorer people needed the land as their main source of food.

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.