An allotment is an area of land, leased either from a private or local authority landlord, for the use of growing fruit and vegetables. In some cases, this land will also be used for the growing of ornamental plants, and the keeping of hens and rabbits.
An allotment is traditionally measured in rods (perches or poles), an old measurement dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. 10 poles is the accepted size of an allotment, the equivalent of 250 square metres or about the size of a doubles tennis court.
Allotment Information
Let's delve into the fascinating world of allotments. As a resident with a keen interest in community gardening, you're in the right place. Here's what you need to know:
1. Allotments Overview:
○ Allotments are parcels of land designated for individual or communal cultivation. They provide space for growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs.
○ These green havens foster community spirit, promote sustainable living, and offer a peaceful escape from urban life.
2. Working in Partnership with the Town Council:
○ Your town council plays a pivotal role in managing allotments. They collaborate with residents, allocate plots, and ensure fair practices.
○ By working together, we create a thriving gardening community.
3. Application Process:
○ If you're eager to get your hands dirty (in the best way!), complete an allotment application form.
○ Express your interest, specify plot preferences, and submit the form to the town council.
○ Once approved, you'll receive your own piece of fertile soil to nurture and cultivate.
An electronic allotment application is available in the forms section, alternatively you can get a blank form from the town council offices.
4. Benefits of Allotments:
○ Fresh Produce: Grow your own organic fruits and veggies.
○ Health and Well-Being: Gardening is therapeutic and keeps you active.
○ Community Bonding: Meet fellow gardeners, exchange tips, and share the joy of harvests.
○ Environmental Impact: Allotments contribute to biodiversity and reduce food miles.
5. Next Steps:
○ Reach out to your town council for the allotment application form.
○ Explore the NAS (National Allotment Society) resources for valuable insights on allotment management1.
Remember, your journey into allotment gardening promises not only fresh produce but also a sense of fulfilment and connection with nature. Happy planting!
For more details, you can visit the
National Allotment Society's page on allotments management.
Allotment Sites
Chilton Town Council manages the following sites:
Hambleton Way 1 (to the left of Joe’s field) – HW: 18 plots
Hambleton Way 2 (to the right of Joe’s field) - HW: 20 plots
Prospect Terrace (‘L’ shaped site opposite Prospect Tce) - PT: 58 plots
West Chilton Terrace 1 (North of the bypass) - WCT: 81 plots
West Chilton Terrace 2 (South of the bypass) - WCT: 43 plots
About our Allotments
To be eligible to rent a plot, you must be a resident of Chilton and have lived here for at least 6 months.
We aim to work closely with tenants to ensure that we provide an appropriate and satisfactory allotment service.
If you are interested in renting an allotment, please complete the Allotment Application Form and return it to the Town Council offices or email to info@chiltondurham-tc.gov.uk
Forms
Please click the online application form button to submit your application for an allotment.
Application Form
Application to keep hens and rabbits Application to keep hens and rabbits (PDF)
Application for joint tenant (PDF)
Application to Erect at Structure Form Application to Erect at Structure Form (PDF)
Newsletters
Please feel free to read our Allotment Newsletters.
Further Information
Information being updated, call back soon.
The Town Council holds a monthly Allotment Committee meeting, usually the 3rd Monday of the month at 10.30am at Hutton House, Town Council offices. All Agendas and Minutes from meetings are available
here.
If you wish to attend, raise any items or report problems at the meeting, please inform the Town Clerk 3 days prior to the meeting.
The Town Council holds a waiting list for allotments, with information taken from the application form. For information on how allotments are allocated, please see
click here.
Starting from 1st April 2024, we will begin implementing a revised tenancy agreement to ensure smoother operations and enhanced convenience for all our tenants. It is our utmost priority to create a harmonious environment for everyone involved in our community.
To provide you with better understanding and clarity about the rules and regulations, as well as the administration requirements of running your allotment, we have developed an Allotment Handbook. This comprehensive handbook aims to address any questions or concerns you may have and serves as a detailed guide for managing your allotment effectively.
The Allotment Handbook covers an array of vital topics, including:
1. Tenancy Agreement: A detailed breakdown of the revised agreement and its clauses, highlighting your rights and responsibilities, as well as our commitment to maintaining the allotment spaces.
2. Rules and Regulations: A comprehensive set of rules and regulations to foster a respectful and enjoyable environment for all tenants, ensuring fairness and transparency in our community.
3. Rent Payment Process: A step-by-step guide to submitting your rent request and an explanation of the preferred payment methods. We aim to streamline this process to make it more convenient for you.
4. Administration Requirements: Clear instructions on submitting necessary documents, updates, and notifications. We want to ensure that our records are accurate and up-to-date, allowing us to provide the best possible support to our tenants.
We believe that the Allotment Handbook will serve as an informative resource and a reference point throughout your tenancy. It is our hope that by providing comprehensive insights into the processes and regulations, we can create a cohesive and well-maintained allotment community.
Handbook (PDF)
