General Site Policy and Rules
The rules and conditions set out in any General Rules and the Constitution o f this Association are adhered to at all times.
The first twelve months of membership are probationary and the Secretary reserves the right, with the consent of the Management Committee of the Association, to cancel membership at any point during this time, without notice, if the member breaches Association rules or neglects the plot.
If deemed necessary by the Committee, the period of probation may be extended
Dependant on the state of the plot at commencement time of this agreement, the Secretary will stipulate a time period for the plot to be cleared and brought into satisfactory usage, by which time at least 50% of the plot should be being cultivated or ready to be so, determined by the time of year. This ratio of cultivation must be continuous throughout the members use of the plot unless agreed otherwise by the Committee.
Any buildings / structures already on the plot and stated in the notes section of this agreement remain the property of the Association and should not be removed without permission from the Management Committee. Any replacements or new buildings will require the Management Committe's approval before installation. All buidinge must be maintained and kept safe.
Additionally you are required to:
Clearly display the plot number for all to see.
Maintain all side paths surrounding the plot and out back any growth through perimeter fencing.
Collect rainwater from plot structures where possible. (See below for further rules around water use on site)
Never cut across or trespass onto another plot unless invited to do so by the plot holder
Dispose of any waste in an appropriate manner and in accordance with local Borough Council rules and those stated in the Association's Constitution.
Keep site access gates locked at all times.
Help keep the general areas of the site clean and tidy.
For awareness:
Vehicles can be driven down the main paths to your plot to load or unload equipment, produce etc however must be immediately moved and parked in the carpark once loading / unloading has been completed.
Dogs are welcome on the allotment however much be kept on leads at all times on paths and on your plot unless your plot is secure.
Grove Allotment Association Mains Water Supply April – October
The mains water supply to our sites is usually provided between April and October.
The water supply is turned off when frosts are forecast in the Autumn and it is restored when frosts aren’t forecast in the Spring and are unlikely.
The water supply is a major cost to us all and the cost per cubic meter is increasing. So it is important that we all use water sparingly and ensure that all taps are closed immediately when used to fill watering cans or containers. Water troughs should be kept covered when not being used to fill watering cans or containers.
Wherever possible stored rainwater should be used rather than mains supply.
Remember hose pipes are not permitted unless approved to assist with disability.
IF YOU NOTICE A LEAK at any of the water taps or troughs please take immediate action to report the leak to our Secretary and if you have access to the upper site you should turn the water supply off at the water meter stop tap in the pavement immediately outside the Stand Road gates at the upper site. The long handle key for this is situated in the first notice window immediately inside the gate. In order to strengthen our ability to deal with any leak as quickly as possible, were a leak to occur, we will also be installing a water stop key at the Stand Road gates on the lower site ASAP.
Grove Allotment Association Ltd
15.04.2026
Water Use Policy and Rules
Fire Policy and Rules
These simple rules were adopted at our AGM 2019 and help us to ensure we do great allotment gardening safely and avoid annoying our neighbours or breaking the law.
Our general advice is that you avoid fires altogether. Compost as much as possible, so you don’t need to have a fire.
Incinerator fires are only allowed between 1st October - 31st March
Fires should only be lit later in the day or when dusk approaches and must be fully extinguished before sunset or leaving the site.
Bonfires are permitted by arrangement with our secretary
If you exceptionally have more dead wood / vegetation than an incinerator can cope with you can ask for permission from the Committee via the Secretary for approval to have a bonfire. This ensures we avoid problems with our neighbours on/off site, or for us and the Fire Service.
What you Can and Cannot Burn
Allowed:
Small amounts of dry, natural and woody garden waste like twigs
Small branches
Diseased plants that burn cleanly without generating heavy smoke
What you Cannot Burn - It’s illegal!
Household rubbish
Plastics
Rubber
Foam
Painted wood
Treated timber
Do not use accelerants - i.e. petrol, diesel, old engine oil or methylated spirits to start or revive a fire.
Good Neighbour, Safety and Legal Responsibilities (www.gov.uk/garden-bonfires-rules)
Weather and wind: Never light a fire if the wind blows smoke directly toward neighbouring houses, roads, or washing lines. Avoid damp or still days when smoke lingers low in the air. Don’t overload the incinerator.
Supervision: Never leave a bonfire unattended or smouldering; always damp it down completely with water and check it is extinguished before leaving your plot.
Fire Extinguishers: If possible, keep a fire extinguisher, fire blanket, or a water source near the bonfire in case the fire gets out of control. Always make sure you know how to use them before you start the bonfire.
Check for wildlife: Thoroughly disturb or move the pile to flush out hedgehogs, frogs and other wildlife before lighting.
Statutory nuisance: Causing heavy smoke or distress to neighbours can be treated as a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which can lead to council enforcement notices or heavy fines.
Grove Allotment Association Ltd
30.09.2026