Frequently asked Questions

Here's the list of our allotment sites. The majority of the allotment sites are managed by allotment associations. These local committee structures help to manage local issues, such as security.

• Watt Close, Bromsgrove (behind Sanders Park) Stourbridge Road,
• Bromsgrove (next to the Princess of Wales Hospital) Newton Road,
• Aston Fields, Bromsgrove Stoke Road, Aston Fields, Bromsgrove
• Roundhill, Lickey End, Bromsgrove (Located off Staple Flats)
• Stoneybridge, Fairfields, (Located off Madeley Road) Pool Furlong,
• Clent. Rigby Lane Allotments, Aston Fields, Bromsgrove

Here are the current prices, including for water 

No. We do not clear plots before letting them. Some of them might be overgrown when we re-let them. Some plots are handed back to the Council in good condition, but this is a rarity. You are taking plots on as they are so we recommend taking a good look before accepting to ensure you can carry out the level of work required in line with the tenancy agreement.

Generally, no, you are taking the plots on as they are, so you are responsible for disposing of those items off site in the appropriate manner.

Practically any variety of fruit and vegetables and some flowers (i.e wildflower for bees, butterflies, insects, etc). These must be for your own use, the sale of produce grown on our allotment plots is not permitted. You can also view on our website a monthly planner to give you an idea of what can be grown each month and work required on the plot.

Restrictions apply to fruit trees/bushes which must be of a dwarfing rootstock. You can only plant SIX (6) dwarf fruit tree or bushes ensuring they are categorised as M26 (or other dwarfing) rootstocks and not MM106 or M25’s. Any planted must be planted at least 2m from the plot boundary and continually maintained. Also, as per the tenancy agreement they will also need to be removed from site should you give the plot up.

Honey produced from the bee's is treated the same as fruit and veg at the site, so should only be done for personal use and not business. Genuine surplus can be sold on provided the profits are invested back into the allotment plot/s and not for personal profit.

Those who wish to keep Bee's must provide the following documents to us and await permission from the Council/Association before proceeding and follow the guidelines provided.

• Evidence of current membership of either the British Beekeepers Association or Bee Farmers Association in order to prove evidence of third-party liability insurance.
• Evidence that the hives/site has been registered with Defra’s National Bee Unit and are made available for inspection to prevent outbreaks of disease.
• The beehive site is provided with suitable all-round screening of at least 1.9m height in order to ensure that hive entrance is screened and the flight path of bees going to & from the hives is above head height across neighbouring plots so that the bees do not become a nuisance or hazard to other allotment users.
• The site and your plot number.
• If we approve you would need to first build the bees screening at the site and provide an image of this and await confirmation, we are happy with this or we may attend site to confirm before bringing bee and equipment to site.
• Honey produced from the bee's is treated the same as fruit and veg at the site, so should only be done for personal use and not business. Genuine surplus can be sold on provided the profits are invested back into the allotment plot/s and not for personal profit.

We allow hens but not cockerels/roosters and a maximum of 12 hens are allowed.

You need to ensure the coop and run remains within your plot boundary and you are responsible for ensuring it is erected/constructed safely. This is also classed as one of your structures.

Please ensure when erecting/constructing the coop and run, you consider where you position this to ensure you do not affect lighting to neighbouring plots and is not up against a perimeter fence/hedge. It is the tenant’s responsibility to ensure that any structures erected on your plot are safe and made of appropriate materials.  Tenants should not build structures with permanent foundations.

You will need to ensure you regularly attend to the hens and follow guidance given on Defra, RSPCA and also government guidelines with regards to Avian Flu i.e. the hens will need to remain at all times in a secure pen and is not allowed to roam free on the plot/site. Tenants that have chickens need to ensure they are regularly cleaning their bedding and pen area to assist with keeping the animals healthy and stop rodents being attracted more to the area if there is loose feed around. All chicken feed needs to be put in a secure container if tenants need to leave a small amount on their plot.

When a tenancy ends it is the responsibility of the tenant to remove the structure in its entirety, including any foundations and removal of hens. 

Are ponds allowed on allotments?
Yes, a pond is permitted during your tenancy if they are constructed safely and in line with the guidelines outlined in the Tenancy Agreement.

What happens to ponds when I end my tenancy?
Ponds must be removed responsibly before you leave your plot. They should not be burned or disposed of unsafely.

What if removing the pond is impractical?
If removal is difficult, please contact the Council to discuss options. Ideally, do this in advance if you plan to give up your plot the following year.

What about wildlife in ponds?
We ask tenants to plan ahead. For example, if you intend to give up your plot next year and amphibians are present, remove the pond once they have left. If protected species such as great crested newts are present, provide evidence, and the Council will consider options proportionately.

Why does the Council have these rules?
Clause 7.10 of the tenancy agreement ensures plots are returned in a safe, manageable condition. While ponds can benefit wildlife, they may pose safety risks particularly for children and may not suit all incoming tenants.

Where can I find more details on what pond is allowed?
Guidelines, including permitted pond dimensions, are available in the Tenancy Agreement. (Subject to final tenancy agreement).

Water butts should not be sunk into the ground. There shall be no more than 5 water butts for each allotment plot.

For the avoidance of doubt, any water butts which do not fall within the criteria set out above may require an application for planning
permission.

If using a water harvesting container, they can only be used for rainwater harvesting, and must not be filled via hose pipes. The maximum capacity should not exceed 1200 litres.

Yes, Allotments are a major commitment of time and effort. They need constant attention throughout the year. If you fail to develop your allotment, you risk being terminated from the plot and it being offered to the next person on the waiting list.

Information about putting up sheds, greenhouses, poly tunnels and other structures can be found here

We encourage tenants to bring children to site with them but please remember that other tenants may wish to have some quiet time working their plot so be mindful and ensure they remain on the plot with you at all times. 

Do remember these are allotment plots and not private gardens, teach them to grow produce on allotments and show them the fun they can have whilst doing so. Don't bring play equipment such as swings, slides, trampolines, goals, pools etc. keep these for your own private garden. 

If you wish to help entertain and educate them on growing whilst you are working the plot do get them involved.

The National Allotment Society (NAS) website has some wonderful suggestions on what you could do with them on the plot 

Read their blog today on tips of how to create the perfect allotment for your child. Growing & tasting home-grown food is a great way to develop skills!

All tenants are encouraged to collect their own rainwater.  It is also compulsory to do so if a tenant has a shed or a greenhouse on their plot. Although, some of our sites have water standpipes not all do. Rainwater harvesting is always better for the environment and crops.

Here are the rules for bonfires within our allotment sites

The Council does not deliver any materials to site due to space available for deliveries and organisation in place by tenants to manage the delivery and also tenants should only be ordering enough for their own plot and it should only be put on their own plots or in a communal designated bay in which all tenants are responsible for managing and maintaining.

However, if you ask other tenants they may have contacts who can assist you.

Yes, the tenant must promptly notify the Council or relevant Association in writing or by email of any change to contact information. Our e-mail address and contact number can be found on our website.

Your best source of advice is from experienced gardeners/ association members on site. They know the soil, what grows best in it and how to work it. There are many books and websites with advice and information also we recently put a monthly planner with guidance on our website to assist new and existing tenants on this topic and to show the level of work required on a plot not just in the nicer weather but throughout the whole year.

We had an asbestos report carried out at all sites and already dealt with any issues at the time so there should be none at any site now.  If tenants have brought it themselves to site recently, they would need to dispose of as themselves responsibly as this is not permitted. All such health and safety issues should be forwarded to the council before the lease has been signed.

A copy of your invoice can be arranged. please contact our income team, here are their details