Allotment Rules

These rules are in place to support the effective, fair, and safe management of the allotment site for the benefit of all tenants. They are intended to promote good practice, maintain high standards across the site, and ensure that everyone can enjoy their plots in a respectful and cooperative environment.

These rules form part of the overall tenancy conditions and should be read alongside the tenancy agreement. Upon signing the tenancy agreement, tenants enter into a contract and agree to comply with these rules at all times. They are designed not only to protect the site and its facilities, but also to encourage a positive community spirit among all plot holders.

From time to time, the Society may review and update these rules where necessary to reflect changing needs or circumstances. Tenants will be informed of any such changes.

1. Plot Cultivation and Maintenance

1.1. Plots must be kept tidy, free from weeds and in a proper state of cultivation.

1.2. All plot holders must follow a 3-year crop rotation, this means a crop should only be grown in the same space every third year (particularly potatoes, brassicas and root crops). Mono cropping is prohibited and at least 6 different vegetables must be gown on each plot.

1.3. The use of rotavators is restricted to machines with a maximum 12 BHP. They can only be used one at a time on any plot and only between 9am and 1pm at weekends and 8.30am to 5pm on weekdays.

1.4. Carpet is not to be used on allotments to suppress weeds.

1.5. All refuse from crops must be composted or removed from the site.

1.6. Any diseased material such as tomatoes affected by blight must be removed from the site.

1.7. Bonfires or burning of materials is not allowed on plots by order of Croydon Council. A number of permitted community bonfires will be held each year and plot holders will be fully informed.

1.8. Only trees on dwarf root stock may be planted. Thereafter said trees should be maintained so that they do not reach a height greater than 2.70m (9 foot)

1.9. Existing community trees/shrubs around the site are not to be cut or trimmed by plot holders. A tree management policy exists for the site and plot holders can request that trees be trimmed by our groundsmen during their winter dormancy.

1.10. Items and personal belongings not related to the maintenance of a plot may not be stored anywhere on the site. Plot holders may be asked to remove such items and failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of the allotment.

2. Watering

2.1. The use of hose pipes or pumps is not permitted. Plots may be watered using watering cans from the water butts. The butts should be refilled after use.

2.2. Water may not be drawn or liquids discharged into or from Norbury Brook.

2.3. Large water storage containers are limited to two per plot and must be used for rainfall harvesting. They cannot be filled from the main water supply.

2.4. Pumps may not be attached to the water taps.

2.5. Washing crops and tools in the water butts' spreads disease and is not permitted.

3. Use of Chemicals

3.1. Plot holders should minimise the use of pesticides and other chemical products and, wherever practicable, adopt non-chemical methods of cultivation, including organic and sustainable practices.

3.2. Only pesticides and herbicides approved for domestic horticultural use shall be permitted on the allotment site. Industrial strength chemicals are banned and any plot holder caught using them is liable to lose their plot.

3.3. All chemicals must be used strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, including application rates, timing, and safety precautions.

3.4. The misuse, overuse, or inappropriate application of any chemical substance is prohibited.

3.5. Chemicals must not be applied in close proximity to Norbury Brook or the water butts.

3.6. Particular care must be taken to protect pollinators and beneficial organisms. Chemicals must not be applied to flowering crops or plants when insects are active.

3.7. The contamination of soil, neighbouring plots, communal areas, or natural habitats is strictly prohibited.

3.8. Plot holders are responsible for regularly inspecting their stored chemicals and ensuring that any damaged, leaking, or expired products are promptly dealt with in accordance with disposal requirements.

3.9. The disposal of chemicals must be carried out in a safe and lawful manner. Do not pour chemicals or residues onto the ground, into drains, into Norbury Brook or Norbury Park

3.10. Upon termination of tenancy, plot holders must remove all chemicals and associated materials from the allotment. No hazardous substances shall be left on site.

4. Inter-plot Paths and Numbering

4.1. All inter plot paths must be at least 45cm (18 inches) wide.

4.2. Each plot holder shall be responsible for cutting the grass on the left-hand side of their plot and for keeping the four sides of their allotment trimmed straight and tidy.

4.3. Using weed killer on inter plot paths is strictly forbidden. Carpet or paving slabs cannot be placed on said paths.

4.4. Where a plot joins the main roadway /path, this portion shall also be the responsibility of the plot holder to cut.

4.5. Plot numbers must be displayed and clearly visible

5. Sheds and Fencing

5.1. One garden shed is allowed on each plot.

• Plots between 5 and 7 rods are permitted a shed that measures a maximum of 8 foot (2.40m) by 6 foot (1.80m)
• Plots between 8 and 10 rods are permitted to have a shed that measures a maximum of 12 foot (3.60m) by 9 foot (2.70m).
• Plots between 2.5 and 4 rods are only permitted to have a sentry box style shed or low-level garden tool store.

5.2. Sheds are for gardening, the potting up of plants and for keeping allotment tools safe. They cannot be used as a storage facility for items outside of allotment use.

5.3. No shed is to be erected without the permission of the Management Committee.

5.4. Sheds are not permitted in a tenant's first year unless the allotment has been cultivated to a sufficient standard, decided by the committee.

5.5. Occupation of sheds overnight is strictly forbidden.

5.6 Aluminium fencing panels for the building of fruit cages are permitted but restricted to the following numbers and sizing.

• 5 rod plots – are permitted 4 fence panels to a maximum size of 3.50m width x 1.80m height per panel (12.25 sqm ground area)
• 10 rod plots – are permitted 6 fence panels to a maximum size of 3.50m width x 1.80m height per panel (24.50 sqm ground area)

6. Vehicles

6.1. Vehicles with three or more wheels may not be parked on an allotment.

6.2. Motor vehicles may be driven within the boundary of the allotments in the following circumstances only:

• an emergency
• to collect, deliver or return articles to the Trading Hut that cannot be conveyed by other means
• to collect or leave equipment, supplies or horticultural supplies on plots.

6.3. Any vehicle must be moved when necessary for the purpose of preventing or removing an obstruction.

6.4. The parking of caravans and boats is not permitted, and cars are not permitted to be left on site overnight.

6.5. Parking is for allotment holders only. Visitor's cars are not permitted.

6.6. All vehicles must adhere to the strict 5mph speed limit in force on the entire site.

7. Allotment Etiquette

7.1. Music or radios must not be played at such a volume to cause annoyance to other plot holders or local residents.

7.2. No one can trespass on another person's plot without their express permission. Committee members may visit for the express purpose of inspection.

7.3. Visits to third party plots to borrow tools or collect produce are only allowed if the plot holder is present.

7.4. Access gates to the site must be locked after entry and exit.

7.5. Any cases of theft or anti-social behaviour will be reported to the police.

7.6. Physical or verbal abuse of committee members, plot holders or visitors will not be tolerated, and will be reported to the police without exception. If in the opinion of the committee a plot holder has used unreasonable behaviour, they will lose their allotment.

8. Children and Pets

8.1. Children must be supervised and under control at all times. They should remain with the parents/guardians and not be allowed to be a nuisance to other plot holders.

8.2. Children may not interfere with the water supply.

8.3. No ball games are allowed.

8.4. Dogs are welcome but must be under control at all times.

8.5. No other pets or livestock may be kept on the site.

8.6. Limited bee-keeping is allowed with the express permission of the management committee and under strict beekeeping rules.

Rules Version 1 dated September 2026.