When?
The committee will be inspecting plots between the 27th of July and the 2nd of August, 2026
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 25th.
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?
Our main areas of concern are:
1. That your plot is in an actively cultivated state that matches the terms of your tenancy agreement. (70% must be cultivated within 12 months of starting your tenancy unless agreed otherwise)
2. That your plot is tidy and is not being used to store rubbish or non-allotment materials. (Having a store of reclaimed items for use is fine, but having clear rubbish or non-allotment materials in storage is not).
3. That your plot is safe. This means no tools left in paths, sheds that look close to falling over, chemicals improperly stored, etc).
4. That your plot remains within its boundaries.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but covers most things that the committee will be concerned with. We know it has been a challenging year for gardeners, so we expect to see less productive yield than in other years, but we still do expect your plot is clean, tidy, free of tall grasses and overgrown bramble for the inspection.
Actively cultivated means that all plots should be presently being worked (plants in the soil) and that areas of the plot that are not being used to plant or are awaiting cultivation are reasonably maintained in a manner that reduces the spread of weeds and pests (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.
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.
