Rules for The Construction of Sheds

Rules for The Construction of Sheds

The construction of sheds on the Dartford Road Allotment Site is covered by Clause 3.10 of the Lease under which the Association holds the site from Dartford Borough Council (the Council being the Landlord under the terms of the Lease), which reads as follows:

3.10 Not without the Landlord's prior written consent to erect or allow to be erected any building on the demised premises except one shed on each allotment garden with a base not exceeding seven feet in length and five feet in width (2.1 metres by 1.5 metres) and with a height of no more than ten feet (3 metres).

These dimensions are more than adequate for most plotholders' needs, and no structure with a base which is in any respect larger than this should be constructed without the prior written/email consent of the Secretary of the Association, who will in turn request permission in writing from the Council on the merits of the case put forward by the plotholder. The construction of sheds is also covered by Clause 3.13 of the Rental Agreement under which plotholders (as Tenants) rent land from the Association, which reads as follows:

3.13 Not to erect any building on the allotment garden without the previous consent in writing/email of the Association such building to be of suitable material and of such dimensions as shall be specified by the Association and such building shall be maintained by the tenant in good repair and condition

For the construction of sheds with base dimensions within the 7 feet by 5 feet limit, therefore, written consent is still required in advance from the Secretary of the Association. This consent will normally be forthcoming, provided that the plot-holder agrees to adhere to the following specifications, and on the understanding that if the building fails to conform to the specifications the plot-holder may be required to effect alterations, or remove the building, entirely at the plotholder's own expense.

Specifications

1. No new shed may be constructed until arrangements have been agreed in writing/email with the Secretary for the subsequent removal of any existing sheds on the same allotment garden.

2. The base area of the shed should not exceed the dimensions of 7seven feet in length and five feet in width (2.1 metres by 1.5 metres) and with a height of no more than ten feet (3 metres)..

3. The shed should be set back at least two feet from the edge of any path marking the boundary with adjacent allotment gardens, and at least two feet from the boundary of the site. No shed may be constructed adjacent to the boundary of the site, except where the view from the adjacent property is already obstructed by a fence or hedge, without the prior written consent of the Secretary.

4. No shed may be constructed that exceeds 10 feet in height at any point without the prior written consent of the Secretary.

5. Sheds should be of stout wooden construction, and built either from new materials which have been treated with creosote or other preservative or from recycled materials which have been painted dark brown or black, or covered in black felt. Lightweight metal sheds have proved unsuitable on this site, due to wind damage, and should not be erected. Asbestos may not be used in the construction of any shed.

6. The roof should be covered in felt, or where metal sheeting is used, the metal should be painted black or dark brown to prevent corrosion, with the corners bent back to prevent eye injuries.

7. Adequate provision should be made for the collection and disposal of rainwater from the roof.

8. Plot-holders should be aware (a) that sheds and their contents are not covered against theft or damage under the Association's insurance policy for the site, and (b) that the risks of theft, vandalism and storm damage are inevitably rather high. The security of each shed is therefore entirely the plot-holder's responsibility. Security should be enhanced at the time of construction, however, by:

(a) Fitting a strong lock to a door and door frame of stout construction.

(b) Fitting as few windows as possible, and covering windows with strong wire mesh.

(c) Providing suitable anchoring for the shed, either by placing heavy objects inside or by sinking metal or wooden piles to which the shed may be fastened.

(d) Fixing wooden or wire trellis to the walls of the shed, to support a blackberry, or a climbing rose, or other plants which will make the shed visually more attractive and simultaneously prevent it from being toppled by high winds or vandals.

Appended Document for Written Request

To: The Secretary of the Association

From: _________________________

Plot Number: ___________

I wish to construct a shed on the abovementioned allotment garden plot. I have read the Association's document entitled SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SHEDS and agree to abide by the Specifications contained therein.

Signed ___________________

Date: ______________________________

From: The Secretary of the Association

To: _________________________

Plot Number: ___________

Further to your application dated _____________________ I am pleased to grant you permission to construct a shed on the abovementioned allotment garden plot, subject to the shed conforming to the Association's specifications to which you have agreed in writing.