Allotment Structures

Are you looking to erect a shed, greenhouse or polytunnel on your allotment plot?

Follow this quick guide to help you understand what to do.

Apply for Permission

1. Application - This will need to be done for every structure you wish to erect on your plot. Try to provide as much detail as possible to help your application. You can request an application form using the details below.
2. Application Review - your application will be considered by the Council to see if the proposed structure meets all the requirements. If there are any issues you will be contacted
3. Structures' Agreement - if your application is agreed you will be sent two copies of the Structures' agreement to sign and return (both copies). An invoice for the deposit will also be sent to you for payment.
4. Confirmation with receipt of deposit.

What will it cost?

We require a £30 deposit. This will be returned when you give up your plot and the structure is removed. If the structure is passed onto the next plot holder, your deposit will be returned once we receive the deposit from the new tenant.

Size

The maximum sizes permitted for each type of structure is:

Structures and sizes

Structure	Length	Width
Shed	1.8 m (6 ft)	1.2 m (4 ft)
Greenhouse	2.4 m (8 ft)	1.8 m (6 ft)
Poly tunnel	6 m (20 ft)	3 m (10 ft)

• No Structure shall exceed 8 ft (2.4 m) in height.
• Structures shall not take up more than 30% of your total allotment plot area.

What can I make it from?

Structures are normally built from new.

However, it may be possible to build your structure from recycled / alternative materials. The details of the materials used should be included in your application.

• The base or foundation onto which the structure is to be placed should not be of permanent construction (e.g. poured concrete).
• Sheds should be of a robust wooden construction, treated with wood preservative. Metal (factory produced) sheds are permitted.
• All sheds should be painted in a colour sympathetic to the surroundings.
• The roof shall be of felt or metal sheeting.

What is required of me?

At all times your structure should:

• be water tight;
• be of sound construction;
• be neat and tidy;
• have all corners/edges rounded to prevent injury (where appropriate);
• be to the agreed size and shape; and
• be adequately secured to prevent being toppled in winds.

Sheds and greenhouses shall include provision for rain water collection from the roof (the water supply is turned off in the winter).

Regular inspections take place, and we reserve the right to remove any unsafe structure and retain the deposit.

Other bits

From time to time sheds, greenhouses and poly tunnels attract unwanted visitors.

We recommend that you do the following:

• Ensure your structure is robust.
• Never leave anything of value on site.
• Mark your tools and property by etching them or use a marking liquid or UV pen.

The Council shall not be liable for any loss or damage to structures or property on your plot.

Ensure you read and fully understand the Allotment Structures' Agreement.
You must wait for written permission before erecting any structure.

If you have any questions regarding structures on your allotment, please do not hesitate to contact us using the details below.