Frequently Asked Questions

For your assistance we have listed below the most frequently asked questions


Are any Andover Allotment sites to be sold for housing?

No. The Town Council will not sell any allotment land for housing. The Town Council is actively campaigning for more land in the Andover area to be set aside for Allotments.

Can my plot be taken away from me?

Yes, but only in certain circumstances, for example if you fail to cultivate your plot, keeping tidy and weed free.
If you do not make payment within the time frame set out by Andover Town Council, we reserve the right to take the plot from you.
If you are temporarily experiencing difficulties cultivating your plot, please contact the Town Council so that we are aware of the situation and we may be able to help.
If the plot continues to be uncultivated with no explanation, you will be served a Notice to Quit.

Can tenants trim the boundary hedges and trees themselves?

No, the Town Council cannot allow tenants to do this for Health and Safety reasons. If you have an issue with overgrown hedges or overhanging trees, please report it via email to the Allotment Officers.
allotmentofficer1@andovertc.co.uk or allotmentofficer2@andovertc.co.uk

How do I get an allotment?

You must reside in the Parish of Andover to qualify to apply for an allotment plot (Anna Valley is not within the Andover Parish). You can apply for an allotment by visiting our website

Here you will find lots of information regarding allotments together with an on-line application form.  Enter your details and click on submit, you will automatically receive a confirmation email that your application has been received.  The allotments administrator will enter your details onto the waiting list.

You can contact our offices by telephone (01264 335592) during normal working hours 9-5 Monday - Thursday and request that your details be added to the waiting list or alternatively you can write to the Town Council (Office 108, IncuHive 4th Floor, Chantry House, Chantry Way, Andover, Hampshire SP10 1LS) stating your full name, address and a contact telephone number.

How do I pay for my allotment plot?

Cheque
BACS transfer
Cash (if all other options are not available to you)
You can pay for your plot by sending a cheque made payable to ‘Andover Town Council’ to the Town Council offices or visit us in person.
Currently we cannot take payment over the telephone, direct debit / standing order or by instalments.

How do I report an incident on the site?

Please notify the Warden whose details are on the notice board for each Allotment site. Alternatively, please contact the Allotment Officers via email on allotment@andovertc.co.uk

How long will I have to wait for an allotment?

The current waiting time for most Allotment sites is less than one year. However, if you have a preference for which site you wish to wait for, you may find that you will have to wait longer. Please contact the office for the latest information.

How much does an allotment cost?

The current cost of an allotment is 48.4p per square metre, as of billing period 24/25 this will be increased to 53.24p per square metre.
Water charges are not included, and these charges are passed on at cost to the plot holder.

Is the rent collected spent on allotment sites?

Yes, all rent monies collected from allotments are spent on the allotment sites. Andover Town Council also heavily subsidise the cost of allotments alongside the income from Allotment rental.

What are allotment holders getting for their fees?

Maintained boundary hedges/fencing/tree line.
Removal of dangerous trees.
Paths maintained.
Pest control.
Gate maintenance (locks and repairs)
Plot management
Vandalism response
One Warden per site
Warden introduction of new Tenants at each site where possible
Warden details can be found on the notice board of each site
Maintenance of access roads/parking areas
Maintenance of site noticeboards

What are the Town Council opening hours?

The Town Council offices are open to the Public by appointment on Monday - Thursday during normal working hours.
Please book via our booking system **

What can I grow and can I keep animals?

You may grow anything within reason and within the Law. We would ask that you give consideration to your neighbouring tenants when deciding what to plant. Before erecting any sheds/poly tunnels etc permission has to be sought from the Town Council in writing and sheds/poly tunnels must not encroach onto any neighbouring plot or pathway or shadow an adjacent plot.

Tenants can also apply separately to keep animals such as chickens and rabbits.
We do allow Bees to be kept on our Allotment sites by agreement only and subject to available space. Please refer to the relevant policies which can be found in the policy section of the website for further information.

What facilities do the allotment sites have?

Each site has its own water supply. A dedicated warden is usually available to assist tenants.

What happens when I get to the top of the waiting list?

When plots become available, the Allotments Officer will advise the preferred Site Warden who is next on the waiting list. The Warden will then contact you via phone or in writing to arrange a meeting, so you can view the vacant plots.

What is the Town Council responsible for?

The Town Council owns and manages 8 allotment sites, with a total of 514 plots.
Two more Allotment sites will be opened to the public. Watch this space for further updates.

What size are the plots?

Allotment plots do vary in size ranging from 60 square metres to 400 square metres.  The average plot size is 126 square metres.

When are the Council meetings held?

The Town Council publish the dates for public meetings on the Town Council website, social media platforms & Agendas are also published on the Notice Board.

Where are the Town Council meetings held?

The Town Council currently hold all their meetings either at The Guildhall or The Lights. Each location will be clearly noted on the relevant meeting Agenda.

Where are your offices located?

The Town Council offices are located within The Chantry Centre opposite Boots inside Chantry House on the fourth floor.

Why are there empty plots?

All allotment plots are normally tenanted or under offer.
The allotment waiting list is closely managed to eliminate vacant plots where possible.
There are some uncultivated plots (sometimes due to personal circumstances), and the Town Council is aware of these and work with the tenants of these plots to bring them up back up to standard. Some plots are vacant because they cannot be cultivated and are unsuitable for growing produce.