Code of Practice for Bonfires

Code Of Practice for Bonfires

This Code of Practice has been devised to reduce as far as possible inconvenience and nuisance to allotment holders and nearby residents alike. Compliance with this Code is obligatory for allotment holders on the Dartford Road Allotment Site under the rental agreements for each plot, in line with the resolution passed at the Meeting of the Association which was held in June 1991. If you plan to light a fire, please bear in mind that smoke can be irritating for most people and harmful for people with breathing and chest problems. If you can find no alternative to burning, please ensure that the burn is quick and clean, and whenever possible use a proper incinerator.

Note that in this code of practice, the term bonfire is generic and applies equally to incinerators, or similar, but excludes BBQs which use charcoal.

CODE OF PRACTICE

1. Bonfires may NOT be lit under any circumstances during the period 1st May to 30th September inclusive or from the 1st December to 31st January, out of consideration for other plot-holders and nearby residents.

2. Bonfires may be lit during the period 1st October to 30th November and 1st February to 31st March inclusive only on the first weekend (Saturday/Sunday) of each month, unless the weather is wet, in which case bonfires may be lit on the second weekend instead.

3. Plot-holders who choose to light a bonfire must endeavour to ensure that the material to be burnt has been allowed to dry out thoroughly, that no material is burnt which could otherwise be composted, and in particular, that no material is burnt which is likely to emit dense smoke. To comply with the law, plot-holders must ensure that smoke is not allowed to drift over nearby allotments or properties adjacent to the site.

Smoke can hang in the air on damp windless days and in the evening around sunset, when 'temperature inversions' develop. Please avoid fires at such times. For safety reasons bonfires should never be left unattended, (if necessary, they must be doused with water or soil ) and they should be kept well away from the footpaths.

4. Any plot-holder who wishes to light a bonfire but is uncertain whether the bonfire will conform to this Code of Practice is welcome to contact the Secretary in advance, so that advice and assistance can be given.

BONFIRES AND THE LAW

Please note that anyone allowing smoke to drift across a road faces a fine of up to £2,000 under the Highways (Amendment) Act 1986. Under the Clean Air Act 1956 it is an offence to cause a nuisance through the creation of smoke: the maximum penalty is again £2,000.

THE ALTERNATIVES

A skip service may be provided during the year at the discretion of the committee to enable material not suitable for composting, such as diseased and woody material, to be disposed of. If you are likely to face difficulties in making use of this service (the cost of which is provided for within the annual rental payment), please contact the Secretary or another committee member for advice and assistance. The Secretary can also arrange for advice to be given on composting techniques, including the construction and use of compost bins.

COMPLAINTS

Any individual who wishes to bring a complaint regarding bonfires is welcome to contact the Secretary in writing or via an email message in the first instance, and an attempt will be made to settle the complaint at that stage. Alternatively, or, if the Secretary cannot settle the matter, complaints should be directed to the Environmental Health Officer at Dartford Borough Council.

Note :

Prior to 2022 it was permitted to light a bonfire during the first acceptable weekend during April. At the quorate AGM in 2021, it was agreed by a majority vote that it would be no longer acceptable for a bonfire to be lit during April and the Code of Practice for the site subsequently updated accordingly.