1. All plot holders must be fully paid-up members of the Sandiacre and Risley Garden Holders’ Association.
2. a. The allocation of allotments is the sole responsibility of the committee.
b. The person to whom such an allocation is made is referred to in these rules as “the tenant”.
c. The tenant shall provide the Association with a contact address and telephone number and advise any changes.
d. The Association will comply with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulations, 2018.
3. The tenant is responsible for the payment of rent for an allotment, whether a full or a half plot. The annual rent is due on 1st October and must be paid not later than 31st December, otherwise the tenancy shall be deemed to be invalid.
4. a. The tenant in whose name the allotment is registered is the person responsible for the cultivation and productive growing of crops on the said plot. Under no circumstances shall any illegal substances be grown.
b. The first 12 months shall be regarded as a ‘probationary period’ for all new tenants. Plots must be regularly attended with sufficient time, commitment and progress being shown before renewal of the tenancy will be considered.
c. All allotments must be cultivated to the satisfaction of the committee; random periodic inspections will be undertaken.
d. Any tenant who, after receiving a written warning regarding inadequate cultivation, does not comply with this rule within one month of the date of that warning, must vacate the plot as instructed by the committee.
e. The allotments are not regarded as ‘smallholdings’. No livestock, other than chickens, may be kept on the site. Tenants wishing to keep chickens must provide the committee with evidence that their flock is registered with DEFRA in order to comply with current legislation regarding welfare and any Avian Flu or similar restrictions.
5. a. Only a tenant has the right to hold a key to the allotment site, for which a deposit shall be paid. Under no circumstances shall a tenant offer a key, or the tenancy, to a third person.
b. All keys remain the property of the Association and must be returned upon termination of the tenancy; a full refund of the initial deposit will then be made.
c. If a tenant becomes unable, for any reason, to cultivate their allotment plot the committee should be informed in writing. The committee may then re-allocate the plot at its discretion.
d. With effect from 1st October 2008:-
i) No tenant will be allocated more than the equivalent of one full plot if there are names on a waiting list.
ii) All existing full plot tenants who had the assistance of a sub-tenant, (as defined under the allotment rules in force up to 30th September 2008), shall, in the event of the sub-tenant giving up work on the plot, be allowed to work on the whole of that plot – subject to the provisions of Rule 5.d.(i).
iii). Anyone classed as a sub-tenant, (as defined under the allotment rules in force up to 30th September 2008), shall, in the event of the tenant giving up work on the plot, be offered the tenancy of the whole of that plot – subject to the provisions of Rule 5.d.(i).
6. In order to prevent unauthorised access, all tenants must ensure that the gate is locked when both entering and leaving the site, even if other tenants are present. The gate key will also unlock the double gates, allowing access for Emergency Services. Tenant’s vehicles are prohibited from the site, except for bulky deliveries.
7. a. The responsibilities of every tenant extend along the whole length of their allotment but excluding the roadway which must, however, be kept clear of obstructions at all times.
b. The pathway, (if in existence), to the left of the plot when viewed from the roadway is also the responsibility of the tenant and must, likewise, be kept in good order.
8. Paths which are currently in existence must not be removed for the purpose of increasing the size of the allotment plot. However, a path may be dug over for a purpose such as “twitching” but such paths must be fully reinstated. Paths and allotment plots must not be covered by carpets, due to the creation of trip hazards as the fibres decay.
9. Sheds and greenhouses must be kept in a good state of repair. For Health and Safety reasons, all broken glass must be removed from the site immediately.
10. a. General rubbish and debris must not be allowed to accumulate anywhere on the site. Nothing shall be left obstructing the access gates nor discarded around the store-shed. All tenants are responsible for removing their own rubbish.
b. The Association will no longer fund the hire of any skips delivered to the site. However, any plot holder(s) could arrange and pay for the hire of a skip to be placed on the site. This would need to be fully managed by the plot holder(s) and require prior agreement with the Association Committee, regarding dates for delivery and removal, to avoid conflict with any Association business, e.g. store-shed deliveries.
11. Fires must not be lit on the roadway, on any pathway, nor close to any hedge or fence. Consideration must always be given to other tenants and to local residents, so as to avoid creating a nuisance.
12. A hose-pipe may be used to fill a water butt, but under no circumstances shall a hose-pipe be used for watering an allotment plot. Any member discovered watering a plot with a hose-pipe directly connected to the mains water supply shall immediately be liable to a fine of £5.00.
13. Members and tenants shall indemnify the Association, its Trustees and Committee from any loss of life or damage to persons or property sustained in consequence of use of an allotment, its facilities and equipment hereby created.
14. All dogs must be kept on a lead and under control at all times.
15. The acceptance of a tenancy and the payment of rent implies acceptance of these rules in full.