Allotments

Why have an allotment?

Nothing else tastes as good as the fresh vegetables you can grow on an allotment. You can grow enough vegetables to feed your family, and the exercise will help to keep you fit. If you have a small garden planted with shrubs and flowers, with no room for vegetables, why not rent an allotment from the Council.

Who qualifies?

Anyone over the age of 18 who lives within the Borough of Basingstoke and Deane is eligible to apply for one of our allotments.   However, applications from people who live outside the Borough boundary are not considered.  

Allotment sizes

Allotment plots can vary in size but as a rule a full plot is 10 rods (250 sq.mtrs) and a half plot is 5 rods (125 sq.mtrs).

Cost

2010/11 annual rates are:

• Over 60’s, first allotment plot (per rod) £1.80
• Cost of standard existing allotment plot (per rod) £3.60.

How do I apply?

If you wish to apply for an allotment in one of the 40 sites in the Basingstoke area, please call the contact centre on 01256 844844 and we will arrange to send you an application form or if you wish you can complete our online form:

Allotment Application Form

Alternatively, you can download an application form from this website and send to Environmental Services, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Civic Offices, London Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4AH.  In addition, if you have a general enquiry, you can email allotments@basingstoke.gov.uk.

Site List

The below list shows the number of plots we currently have including the number of applicants waiting for an allotment plot. Please note that these figures were calculated on 18 August 2010 and although the numbers do change on a day to day basis, they are a good guide as to the current situation.

Waiting List

Applicants who have been waiting the longest are the first to be offered a plot when an allotment becomes vacant although this may not always be the site that they have originally chosen - it depends on where vacancies arise. Applicants are entitled to refuse an offer if it is not their preferred site without prejudice to any future offers.  It is also important to note that although the list highlights that only two people are waiting at Ludlow Close, if a person at another nearby site in the same postal district has been waiting longer, they would be offered a plot first - this policy ensures priority is always given to those who have been waiting the longest. It also means that even if you become top of the list at your chosen site, if someone else has been waiting longer at another nearby site where there are no vacancies, they would receive the first offer.

When a plot is given up as a result of ill health or death, a member of the family living at the same address have the right to take over tenancy of the plot. With regard to registered co-workers (a person who assists a tenant) and who has been registered for a period which exceeds the longest qualifying waiting list application can also apply and expect to take over the tenancy.

In terms of how long applicants are likely to wait for an allotment, turnover is difficult to predict. However, with the current demand for allotments at a record high, it is likely to be at least 36 - 48 months.   In situations where an applicant decides that they wish to continue waiting for a plot at one specific site or local area where demand is extremely high, the wait could be many years.

Once you have applied for an allotment your name will be added to and held on our waiting list. As soon as a vacancy arises we will contact you immediately. Please only contact us again if you need to withdraw from the waiting list.

Letting Procedure

What happens when I qualify for an allotment plot?

When you reach the top of the waiting list and qualify for an allotment you will be contacted. Arrangements will be made for the Site Representative to show you the plot on offer. Once you have seen the plot and have confirmed you wish to accept the offer a Tenancy Agreement will be sent to you in the post together with an accompanying letter including the cost of the plot.

How do I pay for my plot?

Once you have received the Tenancy Agreement together with payment details in the post, you can pay for your plot in several ways:

1. In person -   at the Payment Hall in Parklands, Civic Offices, London Road, Basingstoke during office hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4pm.  Please bring all documents with you.

2. Post -   send your cheque with detachable remittance advice slip / allotment plot details to the Finance Dept, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Civic Offices, London Road, Basingstoke, RG21 4AH.   Cheques are made payable to ' Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council'.  Please do not send cash in the post.  If you require a receipt please include a stamped self-addressed envelope.

3. Telephone -  dial (01256) 844844 and have your credit or debit card details available together with your allotment plot details.  This facility is available from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and from 08.30 to 5pm on Friday.

4. Internet -  you may pay by credit or debit card via the internet using a secure link from the Council's website at www.basingstoke.gov.uk

What happens once I have paid / how do I obtain a key?

Once new tenants have paid for their plot, the tenants contact details are forwarded to the Allotment Area Representative who administers the keys.  The Allotment Area Representative will contact you direct to confirm the arrangements for you to collect and pay for a key.   There is a £10 deposit for the key payable upon collection. 

Rural Areas

If you wish to apply for an allotment plot in a rural area,  please contact the local Parish Council as follows:

Old Basing - 76 plots at Riley Lane

Contact  - BasingClerk@aol.com,  at the Pavilion, The Recreation Ground, The Street, Old Basing. Tel: 01256 462847 

Kingsclere - 36 plots off Longcroft Road

Contact Sandra Miller - Sandra.miller6@btopenworld.com, or on 01635 298634

Whitchurch Town Council 

          Contact Mrs C Burt - 01256 892107

Sherborne St John

          Contact - Mrs C Morgan - 01256 851715

Tadley - Giles Road and Rowan Road

          Contact the warden - warden.nikki@hotmail.co.uk, or on 08708 746661

Oakley and Deane Parish Council - 37 plots in Andover Road (available to Oakley residents only).

          Contact Sally - sallywarner@odpc.freeserve.co.uk or 01256 780886 

Chineham Parish Council - Ajax Close (new site to be constructed)

           Contact Mrs K Ross, Clerk - 01256 474500

Useful Weblinks

http://www.balga.org.uk/

http://www.rhs.org.uk/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/

http://landshare.channel4.com/

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/

http://blog.gardenersworld.com/category/allotments/