When?
The committee will be inspecting plots between the 17th and the 23rd of July.
Can I be present during the inspection?
Tenants will not be present during inspections so they can be done swiftly and impartially. If you have anything you need the committee to know about your plot before we inspect, please e-mail: admin@recreationroadallotments.co.uk by no later than 12pm on the 16th.
Why must plots be inspected?
All of the property needs to be inspected for various purposes throughout the year. At least once per year the committee must inspect all tenant plots to ensure they are conforming to the terms of their tenancy agreement and using the land for purposes as agreed and in the manner agreed. The committee must also ensure that plots are safe and free from potential hazards. Additionally, we will be looking to ensure that pathways are kept clear and that tenants are making good progress. These inspections are routine and are a part of good housekeeping on the part of the committee.
What will you be looking for?
Tenants have been provided with a draft copy of the inspection form via email. If you have not received a draft copy, please e-mail admin@recreationroadallotments.co.uk and we will send it again.
The primary concern of the committee will be that tenants have made good progress. This means that all plots should be presently being worked (plants in the soil) and that areas of the plot that are not cultivated or are awaiting cultivation are reasonably maintained in a manner that reduces the spread of weeds (eg – strimmed or covered in weed-proof membrane). The committee will be checking to ensure that sites do not contain unusual amounts of rubbish, prohibited items, non-allotment materials or health hazards.
Additionally, the committee will be looking to identify plots that have been successful and let them know that their hard work is recognised.
What will happen if the committee finds something amiss with my plot?
You will be given a notice that will provide you with a reasonable timescale to remedy (between 7-30 days depending on the issue) the problem. If you do not remedy the problem within this timeframe the committee will unfortunately have to serve you with a notice to quit which isn’t something anyone wants to do so it is our sincere hope that any issues brought to our attention will be quickly rectified.
What happens if I haven’t started working on my plot at all this season?
As inspections are being made more than 30 days after last frost risk, all plots should show signs of work undertaken. If you have not begun work on your plot and there is no sign of present growing or good cultivation of a reasonable portion of the plot by the 21st we will unfortunately have to serve you with a notice to quit. This notice will give you 30 days to rectify the issue or the tenancy will determine at the end of the 30 days. Please remember we have a growing wait list and have received funds from local councils on the promise that we will make good use of the funds. We cannot demonstrate good use if plots are not being used as active allotments. The committee always wants all tenants to be successful and use their plots as intended so please get in touch if you are struggling so we can discuss your options.
What if have been ill or have another reason I have not been able to tend my plot?
Please contact admin@recreationroadallotments.co.uk and the committee will discuss with you your options.
