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The sight of a well-tended allotment garden gives everyone a feeling of pleasure, and perhaps a yearning to have a plot of one’s own, but before rushing to apply for one, make certain you are not just attracted to the ‘idea’ of having a well-tended allotment, but are also prepared to put in the time and effort necessary to achieve it. If you feel the need for a chat or further information, please use the contact us page.


Becoming a plot holder on an allotment site could not be easier, just complete our on-line application form. Once your application has been approved, you will be sent a unique reference to enable you to track your standing on the waiting list which can be found on our website. The waiting list is maintained in strict chronological order according to date of application. We ensure our waiting lists are managed on a first come first served basis. Be warned, this list can be long and the waiting time can stretch to years! Before you do this however, pause for a moment and examine your motives and consider realistically what is involved in taking on an allotment. If you should change your mind, or your circumstances change, or you are going to move out of the area, then notify the society.


An allotment garden is a place, as the name suggests, where you ‘garden’. It is not a nature reserve or a wildlife site, nor is it a reforestation project or a place to store unwanted ‘junk’; it is a garden that needs cultivating, weeding, sowing and planting, feeding and training, and keeping pests and diseases at bay. This takes work, time and some expense. It is not something you can do spasmodically and you will not achieve an instant success. So, consider, realistically, whether you are able, and willing, to put in the time and energy necessary to succeed. If you are sure, and determined, then go ahead and take on a plot


When your name reaches the top of the list, and a plot falls vacant, you will be contacted. If you are away on holiday at the time, you will be allowed 7 days (14 days outside growing season) to respond. If you are away for a considerable period, and cannot be contacted, the plot may be offered to the next person on the list. You will, however, be retained at the top of the list ready for the next plot to fall vacant. The allotment secretary will offer you a specific plot, so that you can then arrange to go and view the plot, and discuss the facilities available.


If you decide to accept the offer, then you will be sent an invoice and a tenancy agreement, in duplicate. This states all the conditions of the agreement with which you must comply. These are non-negotiable; you don’t get to ‘pick and choose’ which of the conditions you fancy obeying and which you feel like ignoring. So read the document carefully before you sign. If you are unsure what any of the conditions actually means, or entails, ask for it to be explained and clarified. It is no use pleading ignorance at a later date.


You will have to sign both copies. Then you return one copy back to the society secretary, together with your advanced rent and deposit for the gate key, returnable upon leaving your plot in a satisfactory condition.


Congratulations! You’ve got your plot and can start work; you will be sent your key in due course. The allotment year, currently, commences on 1st Nov till 31st Oct of the following year. If you take on a plot part way into a year the first year’s rent will be calculated on a pro-rata basis. You will be charged on the ‘chargeable’ area, in square metres, predetermined for your plot.


The allotments are subject to regular inspections, often without prior notice. If the society inspector feels that you are failing to comply with your conditions of tenancy you will be sent a letter from the society, giving you a certain time to bring your plot into compliance, Remember, it is Riverside Housing owned land, administered currently by Dean Row Allotment Society and you signed a contract agreeing to the conditions.


Tenancy Application

How to apply for a plot

Application Form