Allotment Policy
Health issues and Community groups
Draft - March 2023
Disabled individuals
The Equality Act 2010 states that a person is disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on their ability to do normal daily activities. The Equality Act says there is a duty to make reasonable adjustments if someone is placed at a substantial disadvantage because of their disability compared with non-disabled people or people who don't share the same disability.
The allotments on Horncastle Rd are provided as bare earth without fencing or structures. The current Allotment Tenancy Agreement allows for a structure to be placed on the plot and any additional structures can be applied for via dispensation from the parish council.
Lincolnshire County Council has already assessed St Oswald’s Park, including the Allotments and pronounced them as suitable for people who use wheelchairs. This is due to the sandy soil and good drainage on site.
Therefore in order not to disadvantage those who have a disability, the following will be allowed;
- Bardney Group Parish Council, will allow, wherever reasonably possible, fencing and gate access to be created appropriate for the needs of the allotment tenancy holder.
- Bardney Group Parish Council, will allow, wherever reasonably possible, structures (i.e. shed’s/poly tunnels/raised beds) to be created appropriate for the needs of the allotment tenancy holder.
- Dispensation for occasional lack of cultivation due to ill health.
The above is subject to;
- The Tenancy Agreement must be in the name of the person who has the disability.
- Being advised in writing and confirmed by the Clerk, subject to commencement.
In return, Bardney Group Parish Council will;
- Offer an allotment close to the car park or entrances wherever reasonably possible (subject to availability).
- Will regard all correspondence in relation to health, strictly confidential and in accordance with GDPR.
Allotment holders are encouraged to adopt rain water capture for sustainability purposes.
USEFUL CONTACTS Disability Organisations
- Thrive A small national charity that uses gardening to change lives and can put you in touch with 900 local projects around the UK. www.thrive.org.uk
- If you have difficulty in doing what you want to in the garden this award-winning website from thrive aims to give you answers so that you can find your way to easier gardening. www.carryongardening.org.uk DISABILITY RIGHT UK http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org
- Ecominds Helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental distress and help create a society that treats people with experience of mental distress fairly, positively, and with respect. www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/index
Community Groups
Allotment Tenancy Agreements are normally held by one or two people, who must reside at the same address. A Community Group can be considered for holding an agreement for a plot, subject to the following;
- A named person must be stated on the agreement.
- The named person must take responsibility for the plot.
- All documents will be issued to the named person.
- All members of the Community group will be required to comply with the terms of the Allotment Tenancy Agreement.