Allotment policy changes

March 21, 2026

A series of changes to County Durham allotment policies, rules and agreements have been approved, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.

Cabinet members said the amendments to Durham County Council’s transition rules and tenancy agreements would create a “fairer and more flexible approach” for plot owners.

Demand for allotments is extremely high, with around 2,300 people waiting for a plot.

Under the new proposals, the qualifying period for co-workers to automatically gain the tenancy of a plot if the lead tenant gives it up would be reduced from five years to three.

Council leaders also supported the continuation of the existing rule that bans vehicles, vehicle parts and caravans. The transition rule will be updated to allow tenants who already have a caravan to keep it until their tenancy ends or the caravan becomes a hazard.

Other changes include reducing the minimum cultivation level from 75 per cent to 50 per cent, including what is grown in greenhouses and polytunnels. The remaining 50 per cent can be used for other purposes, as long as it does not break other rules within the tenancy agreement

The changes follow a public consultation carried out by the local authority earlier this year, which received 343 responses from the public.

Nicola Lyons, cabinet member for communities and civic resilience, said: “We will continue to ensure our enforcement is fair, consistent, and proportionate so people can make the most of their allotments and enjoy what they grow.

“These changes will genuinely help people who are working hard on our allotments.”

Under current rules, cockerels are not allowed on allotments due to noise nuisance, however, the changes will remove any remaining exceptions to this rule, with a transition period of one year.

Howard Brown, cabinet member for adult and health services, added: “It’s clear that these changes are what tenants in our communities have been asking for. This new approach is fair, balanced, and supports people who work hard and those who are waiting for a chance to get one.”