I am over 60 years of age. Am I entitled to a discount on my allotment rent?
Only if you are a Waltham Forest resident.
Why is my allotment rent due in September?
Allotment rents are due on 29 September, which is Michaelmas Day. This is a traditional day for the payment of agricultural rents.
Will I have to wait for an allotment?
The average waiting time is 6 to 18 months at the moment, but longer on smaller sites.
Allotment plots are measured in rods. What is a rod in metric?
One square rod is the equivalent of about 25 square metres, which means at 10 square rod plot is about 250 square metres and a 5 square rod plot is about 125 square metres.
Is there anything I can't grow on my allotment?
As long as it is legal, you can grow it. Please do not grow plants which could be a nuisance to your neighbouring plot holders. Fruit trees should have dwarfing rootstocks, to avoid them getting too big.
Can I keep livestock e.g. chickens, goats, rabbits, on my allotment?
Generally no. The keeping of bees is permitted on some sites, but this must be with the prior agreement of the Allotments Officer
Can I have a bonfire on my allotment?
It is against the terms of the tenancy agreement to cause a smoke nuisance. For this reason, the Council will never give permission for bonfires. If you have a bonfire and someone complains, you will be in breach of your tenancy agreement and could lose your plot. There are much better ways of dealing with waste than burning it - please contact the Allotments Officer for advice if necessary.
The allotment plot I have just taken over is very overgrown. I have heard that I am entitled to a year’s free rent. Is this true?
Firstly, any rent free period must be agreed with the Allotments Officer before you sign your tenancy agreement. Any rent free period will be at the Allotments Officer's discretion and will only be up to the date that the next rent is due, so it could be substantially less than a year.
