Allotment policies, procedures and useful information

Allotment Allocation

The Council currently has a waiting list for all our sites within the city.  Allotment plots are offered as full/half/quarter plots or as raised beds. 

For guidance, our full-sized plots are approximately 250 square meters (1/16 acre), and are slightly smaller than a standard tennis court. 

We have accessible plots (raised beds) available at three of our allotment sites: Foxwell Street, Timberdine Avenue, and Windsor Avenue allotments. They are designed for use by wheelchair users or for individuals who have mobility issues. 

The Council has an pdf Allotment Allocations Policy (215 KB) , which explains how applications are managed before applicants are offered a plot. 

Allotment cost

A Full-sized plot is approximately 250 square meters (1/16 acre), and is £105.00 per year without concession.

A Half plot is approximately 125 square meters (1/32 acre) and is £52.00 per year without concession.

Allotment plots are charged for on a yearly tenancy from 1 October at a yearly rent, payable in advance, as per the annual fee set out within the Council’s fees and charges. 

A non-refundable, administrative charge of £10 is payable by new Tenants applying for a first plot (whatever size) and payable by existing Tenants applying for a new or additional plot. A £5 charge will be applied to existing tenants downsizing from a large plot to a smaller plot. The administration charge is per application and not per plot.

If you are a new Tenant with a new plot, you will be charged the pro rata amount plus admin charge for the plot for the remainder of the year. You will receive your first annual invoice the following September.

As an allotment Tenant, you may be eligible for a concession. For more information on eligibility criteria and how concessions will be applied, please see our pdf Allotment Concessions Policy. (126 KB)

New and existing Tenant forms

If you need to update your contact or address details, please complete the Contact Details Form.

If you would like to request to add a co-worker to assist you with the management of your allotment plot, please complete the Co-worker Request Form

When signing your agreement for your new plot, please ensure you have completed the Inventory Form.  This informs the Council what is on your plot at the time your tenancy commences.

If you require paper forms or assistance, please request a copy of the forms from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Alternatively, you can call  01905 722233 or speak to your site coordinator, who can request forms on your behalf.

New tenants should also look through our pdf Allotment Handbook for Tenants (433 KB) . The handbook is designed to support you throughout your allotment journey. It contains essential information about your rights and responsibilities, site rules, and helpful tips to make the most of your plot.

Other Allotment Policies and Procedures

pdf Tenant Dispute and Complaints Procedure (158 KB) details how the council manages disputes and complaints between tenants. The Council expects tenants to attempt to resolve any disputes or conflicts, before raising with the Council. This does not include complaints in relation to the actions or inactions of the Council, which are dealt with under the Council Complaints Policy. 

pdf Election Protocol (317 KB) – The Allotment service is supported by Volunteer Site Coordinators at the Council's sites within the city. To manage this fairly, we have introduced a three-year election cycle, which is gradual and staggered, to allow resources to support the service. There is one elected volunteer site coordinator per site, and all tenants can state their interest in volunteering as a Site Coordinator when an election notice is issued at their site.  

pdf Co-worker Policy (136 KB) – If you are interested in registering a co-worker to support you with managing your allotment, please read through the co-worker policy.  Please note that once you have read and understood the policy, you can complete a Co-worker Request Form for consideration by the Council. Please note, the minimum age for a co-worker is 18. For further information, please read through the policy.

Livestock Policy – If you are a registered Tenant and are interested in keeping hens, bees, or rabbits on your plot, please contact allotments. You will need to complete an application form, and a notice will be displayed on the site for 21 days. For further information, please read through the Livestock Policy. If you have any further questions, please speak to your Volunteer site coordinator.

pdf Bonfire Guidance Leaflet (279 KB) - Bonfires are not permitted at Old Northwick Lane Allotments.

pdf Cultivation Standards (199 KB) - This document provides expected cultivation standards for your allotment.

Reporting

If you need to report an incident onsite, please complete an allotment incident reporting form.

Incidents to be reported include:

• Personal injury
• Property or equipment damage
• Vehicle Incident
• Exposure to hazardous substances
• Physical/Verbal abuse
• Near Hit/Cause for concern

Please use the Council's online reporting system to report any issues on an allotment site that relate to the following:

• Track repairs
• Fence damage
• Plot issues
• Water or standpipe
• Order maintenance requirements
• Asbestos
• Vandalism
• Theft
• Boundary issues
• Pesticide
• Health and safety issue
• Other

Before reporting any allotment issues, please check that the allotment is Worcester City Council's responsibility.

For any new allotment applications, please use the Allotment Application Form. 

All new tenancy agreement forms will be sent by the Volunteer Site Coordinator or the Council.