Allotment Rules

Ethos, expected behaviour and guidance

Allotments exist to allow & promote the growing of vegetables, fruit, flowers and herbs for eating and enjoying by plot holders, their families and friends. They are bound by national allotment law and, in the case of Court Place Farm CIC, the rules set down by Oxford City Council in the land lease.

Court Place Farm Allotments are run by a community interest company (CIC). The company has a board of directors and they aim to delegate to a wider committee of members.

Plot holders are expected to cultivate their plots in harmony with their neighbours and to observe the few rules.

 

Plot rules

1. Plots should be cultivated and kept free of those plants that may be troublesome to their neighbours, particularly when they are seeding. *
2. If a plot is insufficiently cultivated or maintained across two growing seasons, the committee/directors will serve notice and re-let the plot. In exceptional circumstances they may use their discretion.
3. Plots should be kept free of any items that do not relate to current cultivation i.e. things ‘that might come in useful’ but actually become rubbish in a very short time. Building materials should not be stacked on plots and no concrete may be laid. Do not bring any form of asbestos on site. If such materials are not removed upon request, committee/directors will have these removed and reclaim the costs from the member.
4. Only permeable Geotex-type fabric or cardboard should be used to cover beds.  Do not use carpet, underfelt or other such materials.
5. When a plot is given up, the plot holder must remove all materials they have brought to the site, unless agreement to leave items has been made both with the new plot holder and the committee/directors.
6. Each plot must have a ‘headland’ left between it and the track – plots must not extend right to the edge of the track.
7. Each plot should have an access path to its right, looked at from the track.
8. Each plot must have its number clearly displayed.
9. Although mains water is provided on site except during winter, water is expensive. Every plot holder should aim to harvest rainwater. Hose pipes may not be used.
10. A small shed and greenhouse or poly tunnel may be erected once permission has been given by the committee/directors.  They must not have concrete bases or be disproportionally large. No building should shade a neighbour’s plot.
11. It is strongly recommended that nothing of value is kept in any shed as it is impossible to prevent theft. Unlocked sheds are less likely to be vandalised.
12. No overnight stay is permitted on the allotment site.
13. No trees except DWARF rooting stock fruit trees may be planted. The codes for these rooting stocks are M27 (extremely dwarfing), M9 (dwarfing), M26 (dwarfing) and MM106 (semi-dwarfing). Nothing taller than MM106 should be planted. For pears and quinces, the code is Quince C (dwarfing) and for plums, gages and damson, Pixy. For cherry, Gisela or G5 (semi-dwarfing).

*Especially any perennial spreaders such as (but not limited to) nettles, bindweed, thistles, grass, especially couch grass, buttercup, Michaelmas daisies, golden rod, mare’s tail and brambles. Comfrey, which is useful in small clumps but spreads fast, must be controlled.

Site rules

1. Please bring vehicles as little as possible and if you do, park considerately. Do not block a path with your vehicle.
2. Observe the 5mph rule if driving a vehicle on site. Do not damage paths with your vehicle (including hired or visiting vehicles such as tractors) when paths are wet. Vehicles may be temporarily banned in wet weather to preserve paths.
3. Dogs should be kept on leads and not allowed on any plot other than your own unless invited.
4. Observe the bonfire code. No materials may be brought from off site to be burned. Burn as little as possible.
5. Do not play loud music (turn it down or use headphones).
6. Be aware of and considerate of the allotments’ neighbours whose houses and gardens adjoin the site. With the committee/directors’ permission, they are allowed to mend their fences or manage trees on the allotment site that overhang their property.
7. Be considerate of your plot neighbours.
8. Hose pipes may not be used.

Organisation & Governance

1. Court Place Farm Allotments are run by a community interest company – a body such as this is required by Oxford City Council to hold a lease. The company has a board of directors and they aim to delegate to a wider committee of members. All members are automatically members of the CIC and encouraged to attend all meetings, to participate in all activities and to vote in matters brought before them.
2. The structure and governance of Court Place Farm Allotments CIC is according to the Articles of Association of the CIC, which may be read on the website. A hard copy is also available in the Shed.
3. Plot holders should consider sharing the duties of management by becoming committee members and/or directors of the CIC.
4. Each year at the AGM, members are invited to stand for the management committee. Members may put themselves forward for or be invited to join the management committee at other times.
5. New members must fill in a joining form, agreeing to be bound by rules and policies and giving contact details. If a member’s contact details change, they must be updated as soon as possible.
6. Members may not sub-let plots. Members may share cultivation with co-workers. The member is responsible for ensuring that co-workers abide by the rules.
7. Members must pay rent promptly and by the date specified. If rent is not received by this date and no alternative arrangement made with the management committee, the plot will be re-let.
8. If a member is found in breach of any site or lease rules, or is showing inconsiderate behaviour, the directors/committee will invite them to remedy the situation. If they do not do so within a given time period, a process will be followed according to the CIC’s articles of association (copy available at https://cpfallotments.uk).  A member expelled by such a resolution will nevertheless remain liable to pay to the Company any subscription or other sum owed by them.
9. If the breach of rules relates to excess materials stored on their plot(s), the directors/ committee may have these removed and reclaim the costs from the member.

Complaints

1. If a member has a complaint, the standing committee/directors will consider it if it is put in writing. If the complaint relates to another member, the other member has the right to reply. The directors/committee will investigate and any decision they make must be adhered to. Members may appeal, and the appeal will be dealt by different committee members [By ‘committee’ is meant at least any two of the directors/committee together at any time.]

February 2024