Site Rules & Regulations

• 1.1 Only residents of the Glasgow City Council (GCC) area are eligible for a plot on Growchapel Allotments (GAA) unless a plotholder prior to July 2025. 

• 1.2 The right to occupy and cultivate a particular plot is recorded in “Missives”, The period of let is from the date of entry, or in the case of renewal of tenancy, from the 1st day of April in each year, till the 31st day of March following. Missives must be signed & paid for on receipt of invoice. Non-payment may result in eviction. 

• 1.3 The Annual Growchapel Allotments Association membership fee is payable within 30 days of 1st April or date of entry. This payment will go towards administration and management of the site: i. Administration costs may include, but are not limited to, items such as communal area upkeep (soil, seeds, and plant food), repairs to communal structures, contractor fees works, printing costs for literature, and expenses related to future events. 

• 1.4 Once the GAA main keyholder form has been completed and the fee has been paid, the plotholder will be issued with a site key and the communal lock codes. i.  Maximum of 5 keys for group plots (each needing a completed form). ii. Maximum of 2 keys for private plot holders (each needing a completed form). ii. All key holders abide by the GCC & GAA rules and regulations. 

• 1.5 The main gate must not be left unlocked and unattended at any time. 

• 1.6 No plotholder may sub-let their plot without permission and agreement of the committee. 

• 1.7 All plots must be numbered and clearly visible at all times. 

• 1.8 All new members will have a 3-month probationary period on joining, during which time they must have demonstrated a commitment to their plot and completed the three  goals set out when joining. Allowances will be made for the initial conditions of the plot,  adverse weather and relevant personal conditions, all of which are subject to the  Committee’s prior approval. Refer to the New Plotholder Agreement for full procedure  and process if unsuccessful. 

• 1.9 Termination of plot tenancy can be requested by a plotholder at any time in writing to  the secretary. 

• 1.10 Termination of plot tenancy by the Association or GCC will follow where there is a failure  to comply with Association and GCC Rules or a failure to maintain and cultivate the   tenanted plot when reviewed at quarterly inspections (for appeals see GCC rules 16 & 17). 

• 1.11 The following will result in immediate termination of tenancy: i. Theft of any kind, including produce ii. Vandalism iii. Assault of another plotholder

• 2.1 An Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held if possible during the third week in April of each year. It will elect a Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and 2 Committee Members  who may co-opt further members as required. Other meetings will be at the discretion  of the Committee. 

• 2.2 An annual membership fee is required from each plotholder. The sum of which will be set  at each AGM and to be paid by 31st April current. 

• 2.3 Any member failing to pay Association Membership Fee will no longer be a member of Growchapel Allotments Association and therefore is subject to termination of tenancy. 

• 2.4 Each member (after first three months) is expected to contribute a minimum of 1 hour a month towards general maintenance and upkeep of site boundaries and paths, communal spaces and communal buildings. A list of jobs will be noted in the “Communal Jobs Diary”, where members can enter time spent. 

• 3.1 Plotholders are expected to conduct themselves, at all times, in a civil and  reasonable manner towards other plotholders, council officials & contractors. 

• 3.2 Plotholders must use the allotment garden in a responsible manner and to take such precautions as will prevent any annoyance of or disturbance to tenants of adjoining allotment gardens or the owners or residents of adjacent houses. 

• 3.3 As per the GCC Rules, the consumption or sale of alcohol and/or illegal drugs is not permitted on site. 

• 3.4 If any plotholder has cause to complain about the behaviour of another  plotholder, the complaint must be put in writing to the secretary. 

• 3.5 Visitors on site are the responsibility of the plotholder and they should be made aware of site rules and must aide by them. 

• 3.6 All members must ensure that the main gate is closed and locked at all times. All members have a responsibility to see that this is done irrespective of the time of day. All members will have the current lock combination for communal areas. If you open the communal tool shed, you are responsible for locking it when leaving the site. You may ask other plotholders if they require it to be left open and pass the responsibility to them. The last key holder on the site should make sure the communal tool shed, container, and toilet is locked. 

• 5.1 Growchapel Allotments relies on rainwater to fill our IBC tanks for use in the  communal areas. As a member of GAA, it should be priority to create a personal water harvesting structure for your plot. The use of the communal IBC tank water is permitted during your first year while you are initially setting up your plot. This is ample time to prepare to for the year ahead. This cannot be stressed enough, prepare your plot to collect water. 

• 6.1 The Member agrees not to erect any shed, greenhouse or other structure (other than those already on the site on 1/7/2025) on or near the allotment garden  without the approval of the Association and subject to its Rules, and if requested by the Association at the termination of the tenancy, to remove any such structure  without cost to the Association. 

• 6.2 Any such structure must not cross any path between allotment plots, even if the member has a tenancy of each plot. In any event, the structure must be sited at  least 300mm (1ft) from any adjacent path. 

• 6.3 Allotment sheds should be a maximum size of 6ft X 4ft, made of plastic, metal or  timber and securely secured to a base. Keep in mind timber can be prone to wear and tear and all structures must be maintained to a good standard. 

• 6.4 Where there is any dispute between plotholders in relation to this Rule the  Committee’s decision will be final. The Association has the power to require a  member to move or dismantle a building if these Rules are not complied with. 

• 6.5 Sheds need to be placed at the top of the plots next to the main paths. All sheds must be metal or plastic and all structures must be authorised in advance via the Growchapel secretary, advising the size of the shed, position on the plot and also  that it will be securely fixed to the ground. 

• 6.6 Fences around plots have to be no taller than 1.5 metre high. 

8.1 Plotholder will not keep livestock or bees on their plots without the written  approval of the Association and GCC. The Association will consider any requests  of this kind on a case-by-case basis and before reaching a decision will consult any other members who in their view might be affected. 8.2 Dogs are permitted onto the allotment site but on a lead in communal areas.  They must not be left unattended or enter any plot other than the owner’s plot.  Any plotholder contravening this rule on more than 3 occasions will receive a final  written warning. 

9. CHILDREN 9.1 Children are warmly welcomed and encouraged on the allotment but must always be supervised by a responsible adult and not enter other plots without permission. 

10. PROVISIONS 10.1 The Main Key Holder/GAA Member agrees: i.   To gain access to the allotment site by the authorised means only and not to        make any other means of access to or exit from the allotment site without the       written permission of the Association. ii.   To keep locked all access gates to the allotment site except on entry or exit. iii.  To observe or perform any other conditions which the Association may from         time to time approve or consider necessary for preserving the allotment site         f rom deterioration and of which notice to the tenant is given in accordance       with this agreement. iv.  To email complaints of any kind to the Growchapel Secretary and not     approach on site v.   To be on-site at all times with Visitors and no keys should be passed to anyone     to allow access. (No children should be given a key to access the site) vi.  To get prior written approval for communal area purchases (e.g. flowers, plant     food, soil) for no more than £30. Once approved and the purchase has been     made, submit your receipt to the Treasurer for your reimbursement. Please     allow 3-5 days. vii. To pay the £10 annual membership fee in addition to the plot fee. viii.To pay £3.50 for National Allotment Society fee. ix.  To remove all rubbish from the site. x.   That after 12 months of becoming a member, the plotholder can help with     committee roles to allow succession planning if they wish. 10.2 The Main Key Holder/GAA agrees: i.     Not to assign sub-let or part with the possession of the allotment garden or       any part of it. ii.    Not to enter another plot unless invited. iii.   Not to use barbed wire anywhere on the allotment site. iv.   Not to store anywhere on the allotment garden or site any explosives, large        quantities of inflammable material, liquids or any other noxious substances. v .   Not to carry out any work or alternation to any part of any water,      electrical or gas installations on the allotment site without the written      permission of the Association. vi.   Not to bring carpet, tyres, rubber matting, or chemicals to Growchapel.      These are banned. vii.  To not use Astroturf directly on the ground (See GCC Rules 8.6), it is only     allowed as decking material. We stand against artificial grass due to its     negative environmental implications. viii. Not to use hazardous chemicals, such as asbestos and creosote (please email        the Growchapel secretary before use). ix.   Not to approach committee members on site regarding complaints or      disputes with other plotholders. All such communication must be done in           writing to the GAA secretary. 4OFFICIAL 11. CHANGE OR PERSONAL DETAILS/ CIRCUMSTANCES 11.1 Plotholders must inform the secretary of any change of address, contact phone  number or email. 11.2 Plotholders whose personal circumstances change such that they are no longer able to maintain their plot to a good standard, must inform the secretary – short  term assistance may be possible. 12. HEALTH & SAFETY 12.1 All plotholders have a duty of care to ensure that their plot, is free from hazard  especially items such as sharp metal, broken glass, wood containing nails, semi-buried items. Paths within and boundary paths should be without trip  hazard or obstacles. 12.2  Any plotholders bringing visitors onto the site must take due care for their safety   and respect other plotholders and must abide by the same rules as plotholders. 12.3 Growchapel Allotment Association cannot insure any items of personal property;   such items are brought onto the site and stored at the owner’s risk. 13. DISCIPLINARY PROTOCOL 13.1  When persistent breaches of the rules of the Association are committed, the   committee have the right to suspend membership of the Association with   immediate effect (Section 14.2.7 of GCC rules). 13.2 Tenants have the right to an appeals process as per the GCC rules. Plotholders   have the ability to use arbitration between the committee and GCC. 14. REMINDER: PERMISSION NEEDED FROM THE COMMITTEE 14.1 is required for the following: i. Erection of a polytunnel, shed, greenhouse, decking or fence. ii. Any livestock or bees to be kept on plot.

• 8.1 Plotholder will not keep livestock or bees on their plots without the written approval of the Association and GCC. The Association will consider any requests  of this kind on a case-by-case basis and before reaching a decision will consult any other members who in their view might be affected. 

• 8.2 Dogs are permitted onto the allotment site but on a lead in communal areas.  They must not be left unattended or enter any plot other than the owner’s plot.  Any plotholder contravening this rule on more than 3 occasions will receive a final  written warning. 

• 9.1 Children are warmly welcomed and encouraged on the allotment but must always be supervised by a responsible adult and not enter other plots without permission.

• 10.1 The Main Key Holder/GAA Member agrees: 

  • i. To gain access to the allotment site by the authorised means only and not to make any other means of access to or exit from the allotment site without the written permission of the Association. 

  • ii. To keep locked all access gates to the allotment site except on entry or exit. 

  • iii.  To observe or perform any other conditions which the Association may from time to time approve or consider necessary for preserving the allotment site from deterioration and of which notice to the tenant is given in accordance with this agreement. 

  • iv. To email complaints of any kind to the Growchapel Secretary and not approach on site.

  • v. To be on-site at all times with Visitors and no keys should be passed to anyone to allow access. (No children should be given a key to access the site) 

  • vi. To get prior written approval for communal area purchases (e.g. flowers, plant food, soil) for no more than £30. Once approved and the purchase has been made, submit your receipt to the Treasurer for your reimbursement. Please allow 3-5 days. vii. To pay the £10 annual membership fee in addition to the plot fee. viii.To pay £3.50 for National Allotment Society fee. 

  • ix.  To remove all rubbish from the site. 

  • x.  That after 12 months of becoming a member, the plotholder can help with committee roles to allow succession planning if they wish. 

• 10.2 The Main Key Holder/GAA agrees: 

  • i. Not to assign sub-let or part with the possession of the allotment garden or any part of it. 

  • ii. Not to enter another plot unless invited. 

  • iii. Not to use barbed wire anywhere on the allotment site. 

  • iv. Not to store anywhere on the allotment garden or site any explosives, large quantities of inflammable material, liquids or any other noxious substances. 

  • v. Not to carry out any work or alternation to any part of any water, electrical or gas installations on the allotment site without the written      permission of the Association. 

  • vi. Not to bring carpet, tyres, rubber matting, or chemicals to Growchapel. These are banned. 

  • vii. To not use Astroturf directly on the ground (See GCC Rules 8.6), it is only allowed as decking material. We stand against artificial grass due to its negative environmental implications. viii. Not to use hazardous chemicals, such as asbestos and creosote (please email the Growchapel secretary before use). 

  • ix. Not to approach committee members on site regarding complaints or disputes with other plotholders. All such communication must be done in writing to the GAA secretary. 

• 11.1 Plotholders must inform the secretary of any change of address, contact phone number or email. 

• 11.2 Plotholders whose personal circumstances change such that they are no longer able to maintain their plot to a good standard, must inform the secretary – short  term assistance may be possible. 

• 12.1 All plotholders have a duty of care to ensure that their plot, is free from hazard  especially items such as sharp metal, broken glass, wood containing nails, semi-buried items. Paths within and boundary paths should be without trip  hazard or obstacles. 

• 12.2  Any plotholders bringing visitors onto the site must take due care for their safety   and respect other plotholders and must abide by the same rules as plotholders. 

• 12.3 Growchapel Allotment Association cannot insure any items of personal property;   such items are brought onto the site and stored at the owner’s risk. 

• 13.1  When persistent breaches of the rules of the Association are committed, the committee have the right to suspend membership of the Association with immediate effect (Section 14.2.7 of GCC rules). 

• 13.2 Tenants have the right to an appeals process as per the GCC rules. Plotholders   have the ability to use arbitration between the committee and GCC. 

• 14.1 is required for the following: 

  • i. Erection of a polytunnel, shed, greenhouse, decking or fence. 

  • ii. Any livestock or bees to be kept on plot.