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Inspection Notices

Plot inspections have recently taken place across most sites.  Some tenants will have received a letter from us telling them that they need to improve the condition of their plot.  But what does this mean?  We ask that at least 25% of a plot is cultivated as set out below.

Weed Suppressant - York Allotments

The tenant must demonstrate that they are maintaining their plot in a cultivatable state. This means that they are:

  • making every effort to control weed growth
  • preparing the soil for sowing or planting
  • planting out new crops during the growing season or maintaining perennials such as fruit bearing shrubs or trees

The use of weed suppressant covering by tenants is permitted in the following circumstances:

  • to prepare an overgrown plot for cultivation (weed suppressant coverings should not normally be in place for more than 12 months)
  • on a temporary basis for small areas of the plot (not exceeding 50% of the total area) not currently being used for growing
  • in the event of a prolonged absence, either due to illness or circumstances beyond the plot holders control, larger proportions of covering are permitted providing the tenant makes arrangements for YACIO to be notified.
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New Charity Takes Over Management of York Allotments from Council

On 1st November York Allotments Charitable Incorporated Organisation (YACIO) took over the lease to all of the allotment sites across York that have previously been run by City of York Council.  YACIO will now be responsible for the day to day running of the sites in order to avoid increasing rent for tenants and safeguard the future of the allotment sites.

The charity was set up following a lengthy consultation process, initiated by the Council in October 2016, involving plot holders from across York. Following this a Committee of Trustees, all current allotment holders, volunteered to run the new charity, which was approved by the Charity Commission in August 2017.  All allotment holders will automatically be members of this new charity and able to vote at the AGM.

YACIO plan that no rent increases will occur until 2020 at the earliest.  By keeping costs low the Trustees are seeking to deliver the allotment service within budget, avoiding the £17,000 deficit faced by the Council.  The Trustees will be supported by a part time Administrator and the continuing help and support of the established network of volunteer Site Secretaries across York.

“YACIO are committed to ensuring a smooth continuity of service for all of our tenants and with the many years of experience between the Trustees and the support of the Site Secretaries we aim to deliver a real improvement in the service for all plot holders.”

-Tony Chalcraft, Chair of the Trustees

To find out more about how the Charity will be run visit our About page.