Allotments law expects tenants to make productive use of their plots. PPA are experiencing a high “churn rate” of plots presently, that is, of people who take them on, but who then – often after allowing the plots to fall into neglect, or not even making a start at cultivation – decide that it’s not for them. This represents wasted unpaid and scarce volunteers’ time and energies, in preparing the plots for letting in the first place. So it’s only fair to remind those considering it, that taking on an allotment is an undertaking of some substance, requiring regular attendance, knowledge, and the input of physical effort. It’s necessary to be quite resolute in keeping on top of weeds, and in eradicating invasive nuisances such as brambles. In the first instance, there may also be considerable work involved in putting a long-neglected plot into a proper state of cultivation, e.g. including levelling of compost heaps. It’s commonly suggested these days that having an allotment can be good for general wellness, but such advice must be understood to involve the taking on of substantial burdens, and these may prove too much for people already challenged by the demands of their personal circumstances, especially if they choose a gardening method which doesn’t suit them. The terms of tenancy mean that it needs to be be kept in a productive state and actively cultivated. Extended periods of neglect or inactivity – such as lengthy covering up the plot instead of growing things – are likely to result in the closure of tenancy by the Council. Applicants must understand then, that the granting of tenancy doesn’t consign a piece of land to them, with which to do whatever they might please. The PPA site is on fertile, alluvial soil, most of the plots get plenty of sun, and so they’re capable of abundant productivity. However, there’re also a few shadier plots, and although these would perhaps have a slightly lesser harvest yield, they’d suit those who – as well as growing food – would like a restful and leafy setting, in which to spend time.
Warning: to identify correctly the site in which they’re interested, applicants shouldn’t rely on Google etc. maps, but instead use Cardiff’s own at the foot of this page.
If anyone would like to apply to go on the waiting list for Pontcanna Permanent Allotments, then they need to visit the Cardiff Council Website. (The Council, and not the PPAA Committee, manage the waiting list). However, the list may be closed temporarily, when the number waiting is high compared with that of available plots, so those interested may have to check from time-to-time. Tenancy runs from one February to the next. When offered a plot, applicants should reply to texts or emails promptly, to avoid the risk of falling off the list.
(If anyone’s changed their mind about applying for a plot, then it would be very helpful for them to contact PPAA Committee, and in turn they can ask the Council to take them off the waiting list, saving Council Tax payers’ money and volunteers’ time, as well as their own.)
If, on the other hand, a plot holder should wish to give up their allotment, then there’s a designated form which is recommended. However, for the reasons detailed here, PPAA Committee recommend also informing them.
The tenant should be aware that their plot must be cleared of all possessions, of structures – including framed beds – of scrap materials, and so on. Any ponds should also be removed and the land levelled. If they fail to do this, then they – or their estate – may be charged for removal and restitution. Where this amounts to fly-tipping – as it self-evidently can – then as Clause 17 of our Tenancy Agreements makes clear, they can also make themselves liable to legal action, and in some cases, where warnings are ignored, prosecution. Our understanding is that the Council have done, and are doing this, in relation to plots on PPA and other sites. (However, with regard to sheds and greenhouses, these may be left – with the consent of PPAA Committee – if in a usable state.)
The suggested form is available on the link below.
It’s important to note, that should a tenant voluntarily give up their plot, then they can always reapply for one whenever they might want one again, whereas if the Council terminate their tenancy compulsorily, then they’ll be barred permanently from all Cardiff sites.
PPAA Committee.
