Allotments Consultation

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Consultation has concluded

Project update

Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation. You can read the report and decision record presented to the Adult and Community Services Committee on the 17th February 2022 here:

https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4268/adult_and_community_based_services_committee

You can also read the findings report presentation that was delivered to the Committee here:

https://yoursay.hartlepool.gov.uk/10437/widgets/29839/documents/31438



Welcome to the 2021 Hartlepool Allotment Consultation -

We want to know your thoughts and ideas about how to improve the service, as well as make it more accessible and inclusive to a greater number of potential users. Please see below the questionnaire and discussion/engagement tools to provide us with your input which will help shape the future of the Allotment Service.

We would also like to hear from you if you are not an allotment user, to find out how we can improve access to the service for a wider range of potential users and groups.

How to get involved:

  • Use the "survey tab" below to complete the online survey for allotment users and the general public
  • Use the "ideas board" tab below to give us your ideas on how we can get young people, families and volunteer groups more involved
  • Use the "ask a question" tab to ask the Allotments Team a question not covered in the other consultation tools

The consultation is open until the 12th November 2021.

Project update

Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation. You can read the report and decision record presented to the Adult and Community Services Committee on the 17th February 2022 here:

https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4268/adult_and_community_based_services_committee

You can also read the findings report presentation that was delivered to the Committee here:

https://yoursay.hartlepool.gov.uk/10437/widgets/29839/documents/31438



Welcome to the 2021 Hartlepool Allotment Consultation -

We want to know your thoughts and ideas about how to improve the service, as well as make it more accessible and inclusive to a greater number of potential users. Please see below the questionnaire and discussion/engagement tools to provide us with your input which will help shape the future of the Allotment Service.

We would also like to hear from you if you are not an allotment user, to find out how we can improve access to the service for a wider range of potential users and groups.

How to get involved:

  • Use the "survey tab" below to complete the online survey for allotment users and the general public
  • Use the "ideas board" tab below to give us your ideas on how we can get young people, families and volunteer groups more involved
  • Use the "ask a question" tab to ask the Allotments Team a question not covered in the other consultation tools

The consultation is open until the 12th November 2021.

Consultation has concluded
  • Share When an allotment tenant takes on an allotment are they told where the boundaries are of the allotment and is the allotment inspected regularly to ensure the tenant is not using land which does not form part of their allotment? And is the allotment inspected to ensure that the tenant is not storing garden rubbish, tyres, old prices of wood, beds, bricks and glass including old double glazed windows and conservatories on land near to the allotment that is not part of their allotment? on Facebook Share When an allotment tenant takes on an allotment are they told where the boundaries are of the allotment and is the allotment inspected regularly to ensure the tenant is not using land which does not form part of their allotment? And is the allotment inspected to ensure that the tenant is not storing garden rubbish, tyres, old prices of wood, beds, bricks and glass including old double glazed windows and conservatories on land near to the allotment that is not part of their allotment? on Twitter Share When an allotment tenant takes on an allotment are they told where the boundaries are of the allotment and is the allotment inspected regularly to ensure the tenant is not using land which does not form part of their allotment? And is the allotment inspected to ensure that the tenant is not storing garden rubbish, tyres, old prices of wood, beds, bricks and glass including old double glazed windows and conservatories on land near to the allotment that is not part of their allotment? on Linkedin Email When an allotment tenant takes on an allotment are they told where the boundaries are of the allotment and is the allotment inspected regularly to ensure the tenant is not using land which does not form part of their allotment? And is the allotment inspected to ensure that the tenant is not storing garden rubbish, tyres, old prices of wood, beds, bricks and glass including old double glazed windows and conservatories on land near to the allotment that is not part of their allotment? link

    When an allotment tenant takes on an allotment are they told where the boundaries are of the allotment and is the allotment inspected regularly to ensure the tenant is not using land which does not form part of their allotment? And is the allotment inspected to ensure that the tenant is not storing garden rubbish, tyres, old prices of wood, beds, bricks and glass including old double glazed windows and conservatories on land near to the allotment that is not part of their allotment?

    Eric Reeve asked over 2 years ago

    Hi Eric,

    Thanks for your question. 

    When a plot is offered out to a prospective tenant they are sent a tenancy information pack with information about the plot, its size and area etc. On occasion, the new tenant has queries about the plot or its size so they request a site visit with a member of team for specific information. Further, on occasion new tenants do over step their plot boundaries of their plots but these situations are usually rectified quite quickly as other tenants and/or associations make them aware or inform a member of the team to advise accordingly.

    With regards to checks of plots, once a year the Allotment Team carry out an annual check of every plot in the borough, which usually highlights your stated issue. Further, the Allotment Team carry out individual site inspections in accordance with best practice and land management requirements which also highlight these issues. 

    If any person is aware of an issue that they may wish to bring to the attention of the Allotment Team they can call the Councils customer Services Team anonymously on 01429 523333 so the issue can be investigated. 

    I hope this answers your question and thank you for engaging with the consultation. 

    The Allotments Team     

  • Share Waste management on allotment sites. When we moved in we utilised the free skip hire. As our allotment has grown and we've replaced buildings etc there isnt that same emphasis on keeping a tidy plot (this has to have an impact on pest control especially over the summer without fires). Would it be possible to organise skip hire annually or bi-annually around summer to deal with allotment waste. on Facebook Share Waste management on allotment sites. When we moved in we utilised the free skip hire. As our allotment has grown and we've replaced buildings etc there isnt that same emphasis on keeping a tidy plot (this has to have an impact on pest control especially over the summer without fires). Would it be possible to organise skip hire annually or bi-annually around summer to deal with allotment waste. on Twitter Share Waste management on allotment sites. When we moved in we utilised the free skip hire. As our allotment has grown and we've replaced buildings etc there isnt that same emphasis on keeping a tidy plot (this has to have an impact on pest control especially over the summer without fires). Would it be possible to organise skip hire annually or bi-annually around summer to deal with allotment waste. on Linkedin Email Waste management on allotment sites. When we moved in we utilised the free skip hire. As our allotment has grown and we've replaced buildings etc there isnt that same emphasis on keeping a tidy plot (this has to have an impact on pest control especially over the summer without fires). Would it be possible to organise skip hire annually or bi-annually around summer to deal with allotment waste. link

    Waste management on allotment sites. When we moved in we utilised the free skip hire. As our allotment has grown and we've replaced buildings etc there isnt that same emphasis on keeping a tidy plot (this has to have an impact on pest control especially over the summer without fires). Would it be possible to organise skip hire annually or bi-annually around summer to deal with allotment waste.

    Carl asked over 2 years ago

    Hi Carl,

    Thank you for your question.

    The Allotment Team are happy to discuss all proposed ideas in this consultation. Site skips, as opposed to plot skips that you mentioned, were utilised a number of years ago but unfortunately due to resources and budget constraints these were removed as an efficiency saving. That being said, if there is a workable proposal to re-introduce them that would not impact current budget capacity we are certainly happy to have the conversation. 

    The consultation is to engage with as many people as possible and find workable solutions to these kind of problems so that the residents of Hartlepool and allotments users can get the most out of the Allotment provision in Hartlepool.

    You can also, use the ideas board if you have any other proposals or ideas you wish to share or email them to allotments@hartlepool.gov.uk

    Thanks for taking the time to engage with us.

    The Allotment Team 

  • Share Why are there vacant allotments when there is a long waiting list. on Facebook Share Why are there vacant allotments when there is a long waiting list. on Twitter Share Why are there vacant allotments when there is a long waiting list. on Linkedin Email Why are there vacant allotments when there is a long waiting list. link

    Why are there vacant allotments when there is a long waiting list.

    Eric Wilson asked over 2 years ago

    Hi Eric,

    Thank you for your question.

    It may appear that some plots are vacant or below the subjective standard that more experienced tenants have in this regard, however as of the date of this response, of the 1000 plots the Allotment Team manages - over 96% of those are tenanted, with less than 4% untenanted. 

    Once a year the Allotment Team inspect each plot and grade it accordingly on a traffic light type (Green, amber, red) system. Plots graded red receive a warning letter which, if no action is taken can lead to a notice to quit being issued for non-cultivation. Amber is an advisory letter which does not have tenancy enforcement follow up and green is a pass. From that point the Allotment Team engage in the process of either working with the tenant to help them bring the plot up to a standard of cultivation or continue with the warning letters until an outcome is achieved/tenant is served a notice to quit. 

    The Allotments Team like to try and work with tenants so that they are not evicted and can continue to enjoy their plot and its many benefits. As a service we try to strike a balance between assisting the tenant as much as possible, whilst trying to consider the neighbouring plots and the site as a whole. 

    I hope this answers your question. 

    Thank you for your input and engagement

    The Allotment Team   

  • Share Why was the question about ethnicity in the survey. I don’t see the relevance to having an allotment on Facebook Share Why was the question about ethnicity in the survey. I don’t see the relevance to having an allotment on Twitter Share Why was the question about ethnicity in the survey. I don’t see the relevance to having an allotment on Linkedin Email Why was the question about ethnicity in the survey. I don’t see the relevance to having an allotment link

    Why was the question about ethnicity in the survey. I don’t see the relevance to having an allotment

    Eric Wilson asked over 2 years ago

    Hi Eric,

    Thank you for the question.

    Through this consultation and engagement, the Allotment Service would like the opinions, ideas and input of as many demographics as possible with a view to hopefully integrating those ideas into the strategy, where possible. This is to make the service more inclusive and geared to a wider range of residents in Hartlepool. 

    I hope this answers your question, thank you for your input.

    The Allotments Team

  • Share Can you please advise why it takes so long to get a new tenant on a vacant plot, I'll use Woodcroft, plot 8 as an example. I vacated this plot in April 2021 to help my Dad on his plot as a registered partner and had given ample notice (e-mailed Council Feb 2021) that I was giving it up. Not sure whether anyone has taken this plot, but in April the plot was manageable, now 6 months later, the weeds are 6 foot high which must be a bit daunting for someone to take on. Is there no possibility of a quick turn around in getting a new tenant ? This is applicable to at least one other plot the same site. on Facebook Share Can you please advise why it takes so long to get a new tenant on a vacant plot, I'll use Woodcroft, plot 8 as an example. I vacated this plot in April 2021 to help my Dad on his plot as a registered partner and had given ample notice (e-mailed Council Feb 2021) that I was giving it up. Not sure whether anyone has taken this plot, but in April the plot was manageable, now 6 months later, the weeds are 6 foot high which must be a bit daunting for someone to take on. Is there no possibility of a quick turn around in getting a new tenant ? This is applicable to at least one other plot the same site. on Twitter Share Can you please advise why it takes so long to get a new tenant on a vacant plot, I'll use Woodcroft, plot 8 as an example. I vacated this plot in April 2021 to help my Dad on his plot as a registered partner and had given ample notice (e-mailed Council Feb 2021) that I was giving it up. Not sure whether anyone has taken this plot, but in April the plot was manageable, now 6 months later, the weeds are 6 foot high which must be a bit daunting for someone to take on. Is there no possibility of a quick turn around in getting a new tenant ? This is applicable to at least one other plot the same site. on Linkedin Email Can you please advise why it takes so long to get a new tenant on a vacant plot, I'll use Woodcroft, plot 8 as an example. I vacated this plot in April 2021 to help my Dad on his plot as a registered partner and had given ample notice (e-mailed Council Feb 2021) that I was giving it up. Not sure whether anyone has taken this plot, but in April the plot was manageable, now 6 months later, the weeds are 6 foot high which must be a bit daunting for someone to take on. Is there no possibility of a quick turn around in getting a new tenant ? This is applicable to at least one other plot the same site. link

    Can you please advise why it takes so long to get a new tenant on a vacant plot, I'll use Woodcroft, plot 8 as an example. I vacated this plot in April 2021 to help my Dad on his plot as a registered partner and had given ample notice (e-mailed Council Feb 2021) that I was giving it up. Not sure whether anyone has taken this plot, but in April the plot was manageable, now 6 months later, the weeds are 6 foot high which must be a bit daunting for someone to take on. Is there no possibility of a quick turn around in getting a new tenant ? This is applicable to at least one other plot the same site.

    John Howey asked over 2 years ago

    Hi John,

    Thanks for the question.  

    Following a notice to quit / surrender of a plot tenancy, the Allotment Service puts in place steps to re-let the plot in a reasonable time frame, whilst having regard for the circumstances of the plot. This is achieved by managing a waiting list of people per site, who wish to accept a tenancy for an allotment. In general terms, should an allotment become vacant following a surrender or notice of re-entry, it will be offered to the first three people on the waiting list in order of priority. This means that all three could respond requesting to take the plot tenancy, but it would be awarded to the person highest in the list. Each vacant plot will be offered to three people, so for example 1 plot to 3 people, 2 plots offered to 6 people and so on. The same plot, should it not be accepted by one of those first three people will then be offered to the next three people on the list and so on, until someone accepts the tenancy. Offers that are made are done so for a period of two weeks to allow people to respond in good time. Due to statutory time periods and staffing resources, from the serving of the notice to quit /plot surrender to the plot being offer being completed (under normal, non-covid) time scales is usually between 6-8 weeks, if they are accepted in the first round offer tenancy offers.    

    The Allotment Team offer plots out to people who have been on the waiting list, however they are not under duress to accept the first plot (which is illustrated below) that becomes vacant. This can also add to the time period that elapses between the notice of re-entry/plot surrender and the plot being re-let because the individual may want to wait for a plot in a different area on the site for example. The Allotment Team cannot make people accept tenancies therefore they can sometimes remain untenanted for months. The current waiting list provision is the fairest way to allocate untenanted plots as we must award tenancies in a fair and equitable manner that considers all applicants.  

    Therefore, using the plot you stated as an example - 

    Once the surrendered documentation was received and processed, the plot was offered out on the next available round of tenancy offers on 18.5.21, with none of the people on the waiting list wanting to accept the tenancy. The following month the plot was again recirculated to the next group of people on the list on 28.6.21. As with the first round of offers, there were no applications for the plot. There was a gap for July and August while the Allotment Team carried out the annual inspections, then on 03.09.21 another round of offers for vacant plots on the site was made and thankfully the plot is now tenanted as from 20/ 9/2021.

    I hope this answers your question. 

    Thanks for taking part in the consultation.

    The Allotments Team