At the Annual Parish meeting in May 2008, a number of residents expressed interest in the Council using its powers under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 to provide allotments for the use of the parish.  The last known allotments in the village, along the Raunds Rd, closed in 1959.

 

A survey of possible sites within the parish, near to the main residential area, was conducted in 2008 and, after some initial set-backs, a site was chosen and lease terms agreed with the landowner in 2009.

 

ENC’s Planning Policy team confirmed early on that the provision of allotments would be beneficial to the well-being of the residents.

 

The Council also recognised that mitigation measures would needed, so to avoid impacting on the nearby residents. Restrictions have therefore been included in the tenancy leases (sample below) e.g. to require the tenants not park such that they would block access to neighbouring properties and not to light fires when the wind direction would cause a nuisance.

 

The site occupies approx one acre of a 4½ acre field and is divided into 16x “10 pole” plots, each approx 28.7m x 7.6m, with a 1m pathway between. There is a 3m central pathway to service all the plots.

 

The annual tenancy (only available to residents within the parish) to cover the ground rent is £20.  As and when mains water is provided, the tenants will share the water charges.

 

All tenants are required to join the Chelveston Allotment Association, which will elect its own officers to manage both the day to day running of the allotments and future waiting list.  A Councillor is co-opted to the Association to provide liaison with the Council.

 

Current works

The landowner ploughed and harrowed the allotment site in January, so the soil could weather ready for the 2010 growing season.  The Council has fenced the site, with the assistance of NCC Cllr Derek Lawson who provided a £500 grant from the NCC Councillor Empowerment Scheme in March.  Huts have now been installed on the site.

 

The ballot for the initial plot allocations was held at 12:00 noon on Sat 27^th February at the Star & Garter, with the leases signed from Sunday 28^th onwards.

 

The inaugural meeting of the Chelveston Allotment Association was held on Tues 2^nd March in the Village Hall and Fred Chamberlain was elected the Secretary.

 

Vacancies

All 16 plots are currently taken.

 

Sample tenancy agreement

 

 

 

Updated 26/06/10

 

Allotments

 

© Chelveston-cum-caldecott Parish Council 2002-10

 

Email: Clerk@Chelveston.org.uk

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