What you can build and burn

Allotment guidelines

Bonfires

You can have a small bonfire on your allotment to get rid of dry, organic waste, but only at certain times and under specific conditions:

• Bonfires are only allowed between 1 October and 31 March, and after 9am.
• Only burn dry, natural materials like twigs and untreated wood.
• Avoid burning when the ground or waste is wet, as this causes smoke.
• Keep fires small, hot and quick.
• Be considerate, don’t light fires when the wind is blowing towards nearby homes.
• Fires must be put out by sunset.
• Never leave a fire unattended or leave the site without making sure it’s fully out.
• Consider using an incinerator.

Burning anything other than dry organic waste is not allowed and could lead to legal action.

Composting toilets

You can install a composting toilet on your plot, but you must:

• Apply for permission.
• Build the toilet structure to the same size and standards as a shed, following allotment rules.
• Take full responsibility for maintaining the toilet and covering any costs.
• Store waste in a locked container during composting, and remove it from the site once composting is complete. It must not be buried on the plot.

The allotment officer may contact you if more information is needed.

/admin/content/paragraphs/799al

Building structures and ponds

You don’t need permission to build sheds, greenhouses, or ponds, but they must follow the allotment rules. Make sure they are safe, well-maintained and used for growing or storing tools.

What materials you can and can’t use

• You can bring small amounts of bricks, timber, or metal to help with growing.
• Recycled materials like doors or windows can be used for building, but only for approved structures.
• You can build up to two cold frames or cloches using recycled windows — but you must remove any broken glass.
• Paving can cover up to 10% of your plot. If you have mobility needs, you can ask for permission to add more.
• Tyres are no longer allowed unless already registered with the council.
• Gravel, rubble, hardcore, and glass bottles are not allowed.
• Children’s play equipment like small swings or trampolines is okay if kept in good condition. Large items like paddling pools or big trampolines are not allowed.
• Carpet can only cover up to 20% of your plot, must be natural fibre, and should be moved regularly. Overgrown or unmanaged carpet breaks the rules.
• Don’t use your plot to store household furniture or leisure items. Garden furniture is fine if it’s used and in good condition.
• If you get a waste notice, you must remove the waste. Burning waste in response to a notice is not allowed and could lead to your tenancy ending. Dry organic waste may be burnt in line with existing rules as found in appendix 2 of the allotment rules.