Content

11.1

This report seeks approval to
introduce changes to the Council’s Allotment Handbook and
tenancy agreements and introduce the new Council Allotment
Regulations and Policies. The report summarises allotment law and
explains how the new tenancy agreement enables the Council to work
towards the outcomes of the Council Plan and continue its statutory
duty to provide quality allotment sites for people to grow their
own food. The report provides an update to the Allotment Strategy
and sets out actions on future proposals.

11.2

RESOLVED
UNANIMOUSLY: That the Communities, Parks
and Leisure Policy Committee:-
 

(a) 
notes the contents of the report;
 

(b) 
approves the content and proposed implementation of
The Council Allotment Regulations and Policies;
 

(c) 
approves the new Allotment Tenancy Agreement;
and
 

(d) 
approves the approach to the allotment strategy
review.

11.3

Reasons for Decision

11.3.1

The Communities, Parks, and
Leisure Committee is recommended to approve the proposed tenancy
agreement, regulations and policy to ensure the effective
management of Sheffield’s allotments. The proposed revisions
have been developed in consultation with the Allotment Advisory
Group (AAG) to reflect best practices and statutory
requirements.

11.3.2

Approval of these changes will
establish a robust and enforceable tenancy agreement, ensuring the
Council meets its statutory obligations while aligning with the
objectives outlined in the Council Plan and the Sheffield Green
& Open Spaces Strategy.

11.3.3

Failure to approve these
revisions would compromise the Council’s ability to enforce
tenancy agreements effectively, leading to continued breaches,
increased administrative challenges and potential non-compliance
with statutory responsibilities. This would negatively impact the
long-term sustainability and management of the allotment estate, as
well as hinder progress towards the strategic goals set out in the
Council Plan and the Sheffield Green & Open Spaces
Strategy.

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

11.4.1

Alternative Option 1: Do
nothing
 
Maintaining the existing
tenancy agreements and policies has been discounted due to the
challenges outlined in the preceding sections. This option was
discounted as the prolonged process of terminating tenancies
following breaches imposes a significant administrative and
financial burden on the Council. Additionally, it negatively
impacts existing tenants, allotment officers, and the overall
condition of the allotment estate. Furthermore, allotments that are
not used for their intended purpose undermine the sustainability
and effectiveness of the allotment system, reducing the benefits
these spaces provide to the community.

11.4.2

Alternative Option 2: Make
several phased/minor amendments to the existing regulations and
policies.
 
This was discounted due to
resource and time available.