Allotment waiting lists – Frequently Asked Questions

How does the waiting list work?
Many allotment sites have a waiting list due to high demand for plots.

When you contact the allotment office to request a plot your name will be added to the bottom of the waiting list for your chosen sites (you can select two sites).

The officer will give you an indication of where you are on the list and will be able to give you more information about plot availability and turnover on that particular site.

We hope to be able to post information on the length of the waiting list for different sites on these web pages in the near future.

How long should I expect to wait?
When your name is added to the waiting list we may be able to offer an indication of how quickly plots turnover on a particular site. However, it is not possible to say how long you will have to wait as we cannot predict when plots become available. Factors you need to take into consideration are the number of plots on a site (for small sites with fewer plots you may have to wait longer) and the length of the waiting list.

Please don’t be put off by long waiting lists as people’s circumstances often change and some people always leave the waiting list or no longer want a plot when they are offered one.

How should I choose a site?
It is essential that you choose the correct site for you from the start.

You especially need to take into account the distance from your home and the practicalities of getting to and from it with your tools or produce, and in the winter when it goes dark much earlier.

Once you are on the waiting list you can request to change to another site, however, you will go to the bottom of the waiting list in fairness to the other people already waiting for a plot on your new preferred site.

Can I check where I am on the waiting list?
When you join the list we will tell you how many others are on it and where you are positioned. Please contact the allotment office (using the contact details on the right hand side of this page) if you would like an update on your place on the waiting list.

What happens when I am offered a plot?
We will contact you to provide details of which plot is available and a map of its location.

You will have two weeks to decide whether you want to take the tenancy.

Please let us know as soon as possible if you do not want to take the plot, so that we can offer it to the next person on the waiting list.

Can I choose an alternative plot to the one I am offered?
If you do not wish to take the plot you are offered your name will be returned to the bottom of the waiting list. If there are particular problems with the plot, for example it is too overgrown for you to tackle, please contact us and we will try to help where possible.

Please remember to tell us as soon as possible if you do not want the plot you have been offered.

Why are there vacant plots when there are waiting lists?
Not all tenants tell us immediately when they wish to give up their plot, which can lead to them becoming overgrown.

If a tenant is no longer working a plot we have to allow them time to put it right. When a tenant continues to not maintain their plot they will be asked to leave and will will offer the plot to the next person on the waiting list.

We will then give the person offered the plot two weeks to make a decision, however, some will decide not to take it at the end of this period. 

Once a new tenant takes on a plot they will be given a reasonable amount time (3 months) for them to bring it back into use. It can therefore seem like a plot has not been worked for several months.

There are also a small number of plots that cannot be re-let because they are too overgrown or present health and safety issues.