Child’s Hill Allotment Society
Child’s Hill Allotments
Handbook for Plotholders
First Edition – April 2010
Introduction
Child’s Hill Allotments
Child’s Hill Allotments Location
Child’s Hill Allotment Society
Child’s Hill Allotment Constitution
Gardening membership
The CHAS Committee
Voluntary activities
Notice boards
Email
Website
Barnet Federation of Allotment and Horticultural Societies
Plots
Plot numbering
Rents
Probation
Leases
Rules and regulations
Gate keys
Plotholders’ information, data protection
Cultivation
Plot inspections
Trees
Paths
Sheds and other structures
Behaviour
Complaints and comments
Shop
Sale of produce
First aid and emergencies
Security
Insurance
Water
Bonfires
Rats
Machines
Rubbish, skips
Equipment hire
Chemicals
Asbestos
Compost, leaves, wood chips, etc.
Livestock
Beekeeping
Visitors
Children
Dogs
Vehicular access and parking
Appendix - Rules and regulations
Introduction
This booklet is for new and existing plotholders at the Child’s Hill Allotment site in Garth Road. It is an attempt to bring together in one place important information about the site, how it is managed and the rules and regulations relating to the use of the site.
Child’s Hill Allotments
The Child’s Hill allotment site is owned by the London Borough of Barnet. It is a so-called self-collect site, which in our case means that the borough council has appointed the Child’s Hill Allotment Society (CHAS) to let plots, collect rents and undertake day-to-day maintenance of the site. In return, the council pays the society a commission of 25% of the rents collected.
The society is also required to ensure that plotholders cultivate their plots in accordance with the council’s Rules as to Allotment Gardens, which you can find in the appendix at the end of the booklet
Child’s Hill Allotment Society
All plotholders may become members of the CHAS, upon payment of the annual fee as determined by the society’s annual general meeting. Membership brings certain benefits.
Members may buy seeds, fertilisers, compost, and other horticultural goods from the allotment shop.
The society subscribes on behalf of its members to the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners (NSALG). This provides all members with the services of the society for which they would otherwise each have to pay £20 a year. NSALG provides professional advice on all issues relating to allotments, including plot holders’ and local authorities’ responsibilities, allotment legislation, preparation of leases and rental agreements, legal matters, consultation with local authorities, preparation and revision of model/constitutional rules and any other matters relating to allotment gardening.
A discounted seed scheme through E W Kings Seeds is available to members of NSALG offering considerable savings and a wide variety.
Members are covered by a public liability insurance policy and for additional insurance have access to the special NSALG insurance scheme for allotments.
A copy of the society’s constitution may be found on the CHAS website at http://childshillallotments.org.uk
Gardening membership
Non-plotholders may take out gardening membership, for a nominal annual fee. This entitles them to use the shop, but not to enter the site or vote at society meetings. Please make this known to people you know in the neighbourhood who might benefit from this; profits from shop sales are used for the benefit of plotholders.
The CHAS Committee
The society’s routine activities are undertaken by a committee, elected annually at the CHAS annual general meeting. The committee officers include the Chair, the Secretary, the Letting Officer and the Treasurer. The committee meets regularly throughout the year. Its minutes are displayed on the notice boards by the site entrances.
The Committee is here to help you. A list of its members is posted on the notice boards. Please talk to one of them, or put a note into the letterbox in the shop door, if you have any questions or problems.
Voluntary activities
In order to run the site, the committee relies heavily on fellow tenants who are not members of the committee to volunteer to help with its activities, for example by serving in the shop, assisting with shop deliveries, keeping the common parts such as the wide grass paths and boundaries tidy, organising the delivery of compost, joining ad-hoc working parties, and so on. So, please be prepared to offer some of your time for the benefit of all. It need only be a few hours a year, but it makes a great difference. Let us know if there is a particular activity with which you would like to be involved.
Notice boards
The committee keeps in touch with plotholders on a day-to-day basis via the notice boards. On them, you will find current information about the site, minutes of the committee, shop news, etc. The main notice board faces the main gates from Garth Road. Important notices are also posted on the board by the side gate. Other notice boards around the site are used from time to time, as appropriate.
From time to time information is also sent by email to those members whose addresses are known. If you have an email account, please let us know your address, so that we can add you to our email list.
Website
The society has a website for news and information at http://childshillallotments.org.uk
Barnet Federation of Allotment and Horticultural Societies
CHAS is a member of the Barnet Federation of Allotment and Horticultural Societies – see http://www.bfahs.org/ .The Federation concerns itself with matters of interest to all allotment sites in the borough and it represents all sites in dealings with Barnet Council
Plots
There are about 180 plots on the site – the number is approximate because from time to time new plots are created by splitting larger plots or by bringing formerly derelict land into cultivation. Most plots have an area of about 5 or 10 poles though there are some larger and some smaller.
An area of so-many poles strictly means so-many square poles. A true or linear pole is a length of 5.5 yards; it is also sometimes referred to as a rod or a perch.
( So a square pole is an area of 5.5 by 5.5 = 30.25 square yards. Thus a 10 pole plot has an area of 302.5 square yards, e.g. 5.5 yards by 55 yards, or approximately 253 square metres).
(So 4 poles is a chain, or the length of a cricket pitch, and 40 poles is a furlong. An area one chain in width and one furlong in length is one acre, which was approximately the amount of land that in the Middle Ages could be ploughed by a man and an ox in one day).
Plot numbering
Every plot has a number, which is shown on your lease. You should ensure that your plot number is prominently displayed, for example on your shed.
Rents
Rents for 2011 - 2012 (click here)
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An annual rent is payable. There is an additional rent payable for the supply of water. The amount of the rents is based on the area of the plot.
For plotholders over the age of 60, there is a reduction of 50% of the basic rent for the first 10 poles, but not however for the water rent.
Rents are collected during April at times and places shown on notice boards. They must be paid in person by the plotholder.
Any changes in the rent are notified to tenants by the council a year in advance.
Probation
Plots are let in the first instance on a probationary basis. If after 30 days the plot is being cultivated to the satisfaction of the committee, the tenancy will be made permanent.
Leases
When the society agrees to a plot being let, the council is notified and the new plotholder is sent a copy of the council’s rules and a formal tenancy agreement, which must be signed and returned to the council.
Rules and regulations
In addition to the council’s rules, the society has over the years agreed to adopt a number of local rules, intended to ensure that the site is cultivated for the benefit of all plotholders.
Tenants who fail to observe either the council’s or the local rules put themselves at risk of their leases being terminated.
Gate keys
New tenants are provided with a key to the padlocks on the main and side gates. There is no charge for the keys, but a refundable deposit must be paid. The keys cannot be copied without our consent, so if you need additional keys, or a replacement for one that is lost, please apply to the letting officer or the shop. A deposit is payable for each additional key.
Plotholders’ information, data protection
The committee holds computer and paper records of information about plotholders. This is entirely factual information required for the management of the site and communication with plotholders. It includes names, ages, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses, together with the numbers of the plots rented. While certain information about plotholders is provided to the council, none of your information will be provided to any other third party without your consent.
Plotholders are welcome to see the information that is held on them; they should approach the secretary in the first instance.
Please let us know if you change address or telephone number or any of your other details, so that we can continue to communicate with you.
Cultivation
The council’s rules state that the tenant is required “to personally cultivate the allotment and not to use it for any purpose other than as an allotment garden”
An allotment garden is described in the Allotment Act of 1922 as one that is mainly cultivated for the production of vegetable or fruit crops. This does not exclude using part of the plot for the growing of flowers or as a leisure area, so long as the growing of fruit and vegetables is the main purpose.
What is quite clear, however, is that the plot may not being used to store rubbish or materials unrelated to the cultivation of the plot.
The term “personally”, strictly interpreted, means that only the tenant may cultivate the plot. In practice, the tenant is expected to undertake the majority of the work, but he or she may be assisted by family and friends.
In addition, from time to time, if the tenant is not well enough to manage the plot, friends or other plot holders may temporarily look after it. What, however, is unacceptable is for the plot to be mainly or entirely cultivated by someone other than the tenant. Any tenant found to be sub-letting their plot in this way risks having their tenancy terminated.
The council’s rules also state that “the tenant of an allotment garden shall keep the whole of the allotment clean and weed free and in a good state of cultivation and fertility and in good condition”.
This is apparently quite straightforward but what is meant by “cultivation” and, more importantly “non-cultivation”, can mean different things to different people and can be interpreted in various ways. If you look around the site, you will find that there are almost as many different styles of cultivation as there are plots. It is certainly not necessary to maintain strictly regimented rows of vegetables.
What is important is that plots should be cultivated in a way that does not interfere with the enjoyment of neighbouring tenants. Key elements include
a) Removal of weed seed-heads before the seed has set
b) Control of pernicious weeds, such as those that spread through the extension of roots or by generating new plants from growing tips in contact with the soil
c) Removal of long grass or detritus that is likely to harbour slugs and snails which might migrate onto a neighbouring plot
d) Maintaining structures in good order
e) Not allowing trees to exceed the maximum height – see below
f) Keeping paths free of hazards and obstructions, including overhanging branches, and ensuring grass paths are trimmed
If for any reason you are temporarily unable to work your plot, please let us know. If your plot is left uncultivated or other terms of your tenancy agreement are not followed, you run the risk of the tenancy being terminated by the Council.
Plot inspections
Tenants are expected to keep their plots cultivated, as discussed above. The committee routinely inspects all the plots. If a plot is found not to be cultivated to the committee’s satisfaction, a written warning is sent to the tenant. If a follow-up inspection shows that the tenant is still not cultivating the plot, the committee will assume that the plot is available to let to someone else. A cultivation notice will then be issued by the council, the tenant’s lease will be terminated, and the tenant will be given 30 days to remove belongings from the site. If rubbish is left on the plot, the council will charge the removal cost to the tenant.
Trees
The council’s rules state that only fruit trees or bushes may be planted. In practice this may include herb and other bushes which produce culinary leaves. Also, any trees and bushes planted after 2002 must be pruned to a reasonable size and height but not in any event may exceed twelve feet in height.
You should also think of your neighbours when planting fruit trees and try to ensure that they are located where they will cast the least shade on their plots.
Paths
Apart from the wide green cross paths and the asphalted roads, the responsibility for maintaining the paths between plots lies with the neighbouring plotholders. This is a condition of our leases. Plotholders who do not keep the paths in good order are at risk of having their tenancy terminated.
Paths must be kept clear for access at all times by any plotholder, so plotholders should not create safety hazards for others by littering paths with debris such as canes, broken glass, metal spikes etc. They must also ensure that overhanging branches are cut back as necessary.
If the path is of grass, it must be regularly mown. It is recommended that grass paths be replaced by wood chips, which requires less maintenance and provides a better foothold in wet weather.
Barnet’s regulations require that the minimum width of paths between plots be 18”(46cm), in order to allow the passage of a wheelbarrow. In addition, for the same reason, no fence may be erected closer than 1’6”(46cm) to the centre of the path. Nor may any structure (fence, shed, greenhouse, tree, bush, etc.) taller than 2’ 6”(76 cm) be placed closer than 2’6”/(76cm) to the centre of the path.
The minimum width is very narrow, so the society strongly recommends that, by mutual agreement between neighbouring plotholders, it should be at least 2’3”(69cm) wide.
Sheds and other structures
Permission from the CHAS committee is required prior to erecting any structure, including sheds and greenhouses. The location, which must be agreed by the committee, must be such that no part of the structure is less than 2’6”/80cm from the centre of a path.
The permission granted is not intended to imply any form of planning permission and it is your responsibility to check and comply with any planning/building regulations. However, it may be noted that the legal advice from the NSALG is that planning permission is not required for sheds, greenhouses or poly-tunnels.
Barnet’s regulations stipulate that the maximum area permitted to be covered by all structures is 80 square feet (7.4 square metres) per 10 pole plot, which means that on a 5 pole plot they should not exceed 40 square feet (3.7 square metres). No structure should exceed 6 feet 6 inches (2 metres) in height to the eaves and a maximum of 8 feet (2.4 metres) to the ridge. In the case of a flat roof structure, the maximum height may not exceed 6 feet 6 inches (2 metres).
A pre-fabricated structure is preferred. However, if you choose to build it yourself, you must use suitable materials and the structure should be sound and safe. The finish must be in keeping with the surroundings, e.g. treated with a suitable preservative or painted dark green or brown. You should ensure that the underside of the shed is inaccessible to rats and other rodents, as it provides a prime nesting place.
On termination of your tenancy, you might be required to remove any structure.
Behaviour
Plotholders should feel able to cultivate their plots without being disturbed or threatened by other plotholders. Racist or sexist or other discriminatory language or practices on the site will not be tolerated, nor the use of violence or threatening behaviour. Serious or repeated incidents could lead to the expulsion of the perpetrator from their plot and the site. Incidents should be reported immediately to the committee in writing with the names of witnesses wherever possible.
While there is no restriction on the drinking of alcohol, anyone found acting in a drunk and disorderly manner would be asked to leave. The committee will consider on a case-by-case basis the continuing tenure of persistent offenders who cause a nuisance or endanger the safety of others. The cultivation or use of illegal drugs on site is not permitted.
The use of radios is permitted as long as you are not disturbing your neighbours. You should be prepared to reduce the volume if a neighbour requests this. Please use a headset if you want to listen while you work.
Complaints and comments
If you have a complaint or a comment that you would like to bring to the committee’s attention, please state it in writing and hand it to a committee member, or put it in the shop’s letterbox. All complaints will be treated in confidence.
Shop
The society operates a shop for the benefit and convenience of its members, who may use it to buy seeds, fertilisers, compost, and other horticultural goods. Agreements with many of our suppliers, which enable us to sell many goods at prices well below normal shop prices, contain a strict requirement that their products may only be sold to members of the society.
The shop is located just inside the entrance from Garth Road. It is open at least once a week for most of the year, at times which might vary, but which are shown on the notice boards by the shop.
Sale of produce
Legally, our plots are allotment gardens, which are defined in the Allotments Act 1922 as “an area not exceeding 40 pole used wholly or mainly for the cultivation of vegetable or fruit crops for consumption by the occupier or his family”. This definition, therefore, precludes the sale of these crops.
First aid and emergencies
A well-equipped first aid box is kept in the shop, but is normally only accessible during shop opening hours or at times when a member of the committee with keys to the shop is present. It is therefore very important that plotholders keep a basic first aid kit on their plot or in their car.
It is essential that emergency vehicles, in particular ambulances, are able to access all parts of the sites. The asphalted roads and wide grass cross paths are designated access routes, so must never be obstructed. If you summon an emergency vehicle, please ensure that the main gate is opened to allow access.
Security
The society will do what it can to protect the site from intruders by maintaining the boundary fences, but successful security depends on all plotholders cooperating by ensuring that the gates to the site are kept locked at all times. This is not simply well meant advice; it is a Barnet rule. If you find a gate open, and there is no sign of anyone coming or going, you should lock it.
Do not admit members of the general public to the site, unless you are quite sure that they are coming to visit a plotholder who is already on the site. Normally visitors should be met at the gate by the plotholder in question.
Anyone seeing someone acting suspiciously should challenge their right to be on the site (if it is safe to do so) and/or call the police (tel: 0300 123 1212).
Please notify the committee if you find breaches in, or damage to, the boundary fences.
However careful we are and however well the boundaries are maintained, it is inevitable that from time to time intruders will gain access to the site. Your sheds and their contents are therefore vulnerable, as is your produce. Not very much can be done about the latter, but if your sheds contain valuable machinery or tools, you can protect them by using sturdy padlocks on the doors, preferably of the closed-shackle kind, which are less vulnerable to bolt cutters, and by using more than one of them. They are however of little use if bolts or hasps are insecurely fixed or their fixings are accessible. Additional protection can be provided by chaining the machinery to a ring that is securely attached to the shed or its floor, using for example a bicycle security kit. The structure of the shed must of course be sufficiently robust to withstand an intruder.
The society owns punches which may be borrowed to inscribe identification information on your machines. Advice can be given on the most effective way of labelling.
If your shed is broken into, you will need to report the theft to Colindale police station yourself (tel: 0300 123 1212), in addition to informing the committee, or else they will not register the crime. If you see a crime being committed, dial 999.
Insurance
The society pays for public liability insurance cover for its members. It is arranged through the NSALG and so, by their rules, is limited to members of the society. It covers all sums that a member might be legally liable to pay as damages arising out of accidental injury to other plotholders or members of the general public.
Water
Water is provided to taps around the site. The water is turned on by the council from approximately April 1st until October 31st. It is safe for drinking. Please use water wisely and keep the tanks clean and preferably covered. Please report any leaking taps to the committee.
The use of hand-held hosepipes is permitted unless a hosepipe ban is in operation. You must not leave a hose unattended and sprinklers or similar systems are forbidden – this is a Barnet rule. Please fill the tank for other people before you start using a hose and disconnect it when you have finished. In order to give others a fair crack of the whip, please stop after 15 minutes if someone else is waiting for the tap.
While we pay a fixed water rent each year, the usage is metered, so if our usage exceeds the amount for which the council pays the water company, the charge is liable to be increased for the following year. So please be sensible and do not waste water or use a hose more than you absolutely have to. If possible, water in the evening or early morning when the water will soak in.
Bonfires
Barnet regulations specify the times at which bonfires are permitted.
They are
November - April: any time
May - June: no bonfires at all
July - September: only the first Wednesday in the month
October: after 4pm on any day
Bonfires are allowed at these times of the year, as they are essential for destroying diseased plant matter. They can also be useful for burning other dry garden waste, although it is preferable and recommended that this be composted. Materials such as plastic or rubber create toxic fumes and poison the soil so must never be burnt. Before lighting a bonfire, think about other ways to dispose of your rubbish. Can you compost it on your plot or take it to a recycling centre? If you must have a fire, try to pick a time when the wind is not blowing in the direction of any neighbours. Remember that smoke from bonfires can be annoying to them, ruining their enjoyment of their gardens, and preventing them from opening windows and hanging out their washing. Bonfires can damage the health of children, the elderly and those with asthma and other breathing problems. Never leave a bonfire burning when you are not there to tend it. Do not use petrol on bonfires and keep a bucket of water handy in case it gets out of control.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, it is an offence to emit smoke, fumes or gases which are a nuisance. Allowing smoke to drift over nearby roads may also lead to prosecution under the Highways (Amendment) Act 1986 if it endangers traffic.
Rats
Rats are, inevitably, always present on the allotment site. Please report to the committee if you find any evidence of them. Rat bait and instructions on how to use it are available free of charge from the shop. It should only be used inside sheds away from cats, foxes, hedgehogs and other wildlife which we do not want to injure.
To minimise potential nesting places, keep your plot clear of rubbish and do not allow access to the space beneath your shed. Do not put out meat or other waste animal products for the foxes; it is much more likely to attract rats.
Machines
Machines, such as strimmers, rotavators and mowers should be used with appropriate personal safety equipment and with consideration for the safety of others. They must not be left running unattended.
In order to avoid undue disturbance to those who live in houses around the site, you are asked not to use noisy machines on Monday to Saturday before 8 am and on Sundays and public holidays before 9 am, nor after 7 pm on any day.
It is inadvisable to use machines during or after drinking alcohol or the taking of certain medicines that cause drowsiness.
Rubbish, skips
Please resist the temptation to use your plot as a place to store things that might be useful one day or, more accurately, rubbish. Timber left in the open air will rapidly deteriorate to the point that it is unusable and then has to be disposed of. Please do not bring in any material that is not directly for use on the allotment.
From time to time, a skip is provided for the disposal of unwanted materials but rubbish accumulated routinely should be taken off site and disposed of via your local binmen or a council recycling depot. Barnet’s depot is in Summers Lane, Finchley, N12 0PD.
Equipment hire
The society owns strimmers, rotavators and mowers, which may be hired on an hourly basis. Information on how to go about this is shown on the notice boards.
The society accepts no responsibility for damage or injury incurred by the improper use of machinery. Hirers should ensure they are familiar with their proper operation and observe the safety precautions for their use.
Chemicals
Be considerate when using chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides etc) as many allotment holders use only organic methods and these chemicals have potentially toxic and harmful effects on people and wildlife. Observe the instructions on packaging carefully and take the appropriate safety precautions. In particular, do not spray chemicals when it is windy or on crops that are likely to be visited by bees (e.g. open flowers) or near ponds.
The use of herbicides on paths should be limited to preparations containing only glyphosate and then used only for the “spot” treatment of perennials such as dandelions. Hormone or long-lasting weedkillers must never be used on paths as they can be carried on boots onto other people’s plots with harmful effects.
Asbestos
Asbestos-based products (such as sheds, boards and containers) are not permitted the site and no such product should be brought onto your plot. Where asbestos items, such as shed roof sheets, already exist on a plot and are in a reasonable condition, they can be left in place, but they will need to be removed if the condition of the material deteriorates. Never break up asbestos sheets. Anyone unearthing suspect material should contact Barnet Environmental Health department (020 8359 2000).
Compost, leaves, wood chips, etc.
From time to time, the society arranges for the delivery of various organic materials, including leaves, wood chips and composted green waste. They are deposited at various locations around the site, according to their accessibility by the delivery vehicles.
Certain materials, in particular the compost, are in high demand. It is not possible to operate a formal rationing scheme to ensure that all plotholders get a fair share, in particular those who cannot come to the site on delivery days, but individual plotholders are asked to be considerate to each other and not to take excessive amounts.
Livestock
The keeping of any livestock on the site, including chickens, rabbits, goats and other such animals, is not allowed.
Beekeeping
Bees may be kept, but the society must first be satisfied that the plotholder is suitably qualified to care properly for them and that the following conditions be satisfied.
a) The beekeeper should have undertaken a recognised course of at least one or two years duration, covering both theoretical and practical hands on training, to a good level of competence.
b) They must be a full member of a beekeeping association with full insurance against third party damages.
c) Any bees brought onto the allotment should be of good temperament and kept that way.
d) If the bees should become a problem or nuisance by interfering with other allotment holders while working their plots or with persons in the gardens of houses adjacent to the allotments and the matter is not addressed quickly, the committee will require the bees to be removed or destroyed.
Please contact the committee if you are interested in the possibility of keeping bees.
Visitors
Friends and relatives are welcome to visit the site. However, you must stay with them - do not just give them your key and let them wander round on their own. If you see a stranger, ask them what they are doing and escort them out if necessary. Tell your neighbours or the committee if a friend is going to look after your plot while you are on holiday or committed elsewhere.
Children
Please keep children under control. You must ensure they stay on your own plot and do not stray onto anyone else’s.
Dogs
Dogs are permitted to accompany plot holders on the allotment site but owners must act responsibly. They should keep their dogs on a hand-held lead when walking through the site and ensure that they stay on their own plot. The dogs must be under control at all times – this is a Barnet rule. Any fouling must be cleared up immediately.
Vehicular access and parking
Cars and other vehicles may be driven only on the asphalted roads and the car parks. They are strictly prohibited from driving on the wide green cross paths.
There is a speed restriction of 5 mph. on all roads within the site. Drivers are asked to take extra care when passing near pedestrians and children.
Two areas are available for parking cars and other vehicles: one half-way down the allotment site and one at the far, north, end. The hard standing area alongside the middle car park is intended for deliveries of manure, sand etc, but can be used for parking if the main car parks are busy at weekends. Please observe any markings indicating parking bays and park with consideration for others.
Strictly speaking no vehicles should be parked on the roads, but if car park space is scarce, plotholders may park on the dead-end roads, but must be prepared to move their vehicles on request if access is required.
No vehicles are to be left on the allotment site overnight.
Appendix - Rules and regulations
When a plot is let, the council sends the new plotholder is sent a copy of the rules and a formal tenancy agreement, which has to be signed and returned to the council.
This is an excerpt from the rules which covers the general conditions under which the allotment gardens are to be cultivated.
6. The tenant of an allotment garden shall comply with the following conditions:
(a) To keep the whole of the allotment clean and weed free and in a good state of cultivation and fertility and in good condition to the satisfaction of the Council
(b) Not to cause or permit any nuisance or annoyance to the Council or the owners or occupiers of adjoining property or the occupier of any other allotment or obstruct or encroach on any path or road set out by the Council nor to park or cause to park any motor vehicle or any wheeled vehicle on any part of any allotments or the site except in designated parking areas and only when in attendance on the site.
(c) Not to cultivate the allotment within nine inches of any of the boundaries thereof as shown on the relevant layout plans prepared by the Council thus enabling joint side paths to be not less than eighteen inches wide and jointly with adjoining tenants to maintain the said paths to the satisfaction of the Council
(d) Personally to cultivate the allotment and not to use it for any purpose other than as an allotment garden and not to underlet assign or part with the possession of it or any part thereof or of any interest therein
(e) That the Council shall have the right to refuse admittance to any person other than the Tenant or a member of his family to the allotment garden unless accompanied by the Tenant or a member of his family
(f) Not to cut or prune any timber or other trees owned by the Council or take or sell or carry away any soil mineral gravel sand or clay nor move or in any way interfere with any plant equipment or installation belonging to the Council nor dig or permit to be dug any pit shafts wells or ditches
(g) Subject to sub-clause (f) above to keep fruit trees and bushes planted after 2002 on the allotment pruned to a reasonable size and height but not in any event to exceed twelve feet in height PROVIDED THAT no trees or bushes other than fruit trees or bushes may be planted and to keep every hedge or shrub that adjoins the allotment properly cut and trimmed
(h) Not to erect any shed greenhouse polytunnel building structure fence wall hedge notice or advertisement on the allotment except in accordance with current guidance notes determined for the time being by the Council
(i) To keep in a proper state of repair to the satisfaction of the Council any shed greenhouse building structure fence wall or hedge on the allotment erected in accordance with Clause 6(h) hereof
(j) Not to use barbed razor or similar wire on any part of the allotment or allotment site
(k) To indemnify and keep indemnified the Council its officers and servants from and against all costs claims demands proceedings expenses and payments whatsoever that may be made or instituted against them or any of them in relation to the use by the Tenant or the tenant’s employees visitors or contractors either directly or indirectly of the allotment and which would not have arisen but for the granting of this tenancy
(l) Not to take on or allow others to take on to the allotment any materials or equipment not directly used thereon nor place nor deposit on any part of the Site or its environs any material equipment refuse rubbish or any decaying matter (except manure and compost in such quantities as may reasonably be required for use in cultivation) except that allotment generated rubbish other than green waste may be disposed of in the skip when available and green waste should be composted or disposed of in a container provided for that purpose when available.
(m) Not to enter or leave the Site without locking the gates thereto where such are provided
(n) To use only a watering can or hand held hose where permitted but not to use on the allotment garden any sprinkler system
(o) To use any troughs only for the filling of watering cans
(o) Not to keep any animals or livestock upon the allotment garden except to the extent permitted by Section 12 of the Allotment Act 1950 PROVIDED THAT dogs will be permitted on the site but remain the responsibility of the Tenant and must remain under control at all times
(p) Not to burn bonfires anywhere on the Site unless expressly authorised by notice on individual allotment sites in accordance with any restriction which will be posted at entrance or access gates. Where permitted bonfires must be kept under control and not left unattended.
(q) As regards the allotment garden, observe and perform all conditions and covenants contained in the lease (if any) under which the Council hold the land or to which the Council's title to the land is subject
(r) To observe and perform any other special condition which the Council consider necessary to preserve the allotment garden from deterioration, and of which notice to the applicants for the allotment garden is given in accordance with these rules
