Napper Charity Allotments

 

Held and administered by the Napper Charity

The Napper Charity Allotments are located at Looke Lane and are held in trust by Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council on behalf of the Napper Charity. Income from the allotments is used solely to support the charitable purposes of the Napper Charity.

About the Allotments

The allotment field provides 17 individual plots and has been in use as allotments since 2004.

Allotments are intended for non‑commercial growing, enabling residents to grow vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers for personal use.

Who Can Apply

Priority is given to residents of:

• Puncknowle
• Swyre
• West Bexington

From 2024, residents of neighbouring villages may apply only where no waiting list exists for the above communities.

Rent and Associations

• Rent is payable annually on 1 October
• All tenants must:
  • Be members of the Allotment Association
  • Hold public liability insurance with minimum cover of £5 million

Key Conditions of Tenancy (Summary)

All tenants are required to comply with the Allotment Acts and the tenancy agreement. Important conditions include:

Use of Plots

• Plots must be used only as allotment gardens
• Plots must be kept:
  • In good cultivation
  • Free from weeds
  • In a clean and tidy condition
• Plots must not be sublet or passed to another person without written consent

Structures

• No buildings may be erected without written permission
• Sheds and greenhouses must not exceed 8ft x 6ft
• One polytunnel per plot is permitted, up to 10ft x 8ft
• All structures must be maintained and removed at the end of the tenancy

Livestock and Poultry

• No livestock is permitted without written consent
• Poultry (hens only) may be kept in accordance with the Rules of the Roost

Trees, Soil, and Chemicals

• Trees must not be cut or pruned without consent
• No removal of soil, minerals, sand, or clay
• No imported soil without written permission
• Commercially verified manure and garden compost are permitted
• No chemicals or petrol may be stored on the site
• Systemic herbicides may only be used between 1 December and 1 March, unless agreed otherwise

Safety and Conduct

• Tenants must not cause nuisance or obstruction
• Headlands must be kept clear and hazard‑free
• Bonfires:
  • Restricted to garden waste and untreated wood
  • Must be supervised at all times
  • Must be fully extinguished
• Tenants must take reasonable care for the safety of themselves and others

Access and Vehicles

• Trustees may enter and inspect plots when required
• No motorised vehicles on headlands between 1 October and 30 April, unless agreed in advance

Shared Facilities

As appropriate, plot holders may use and share responsibility for:

• Car parking area
• Orchard
• Willow plantation

Participation in maintenance is expected only where relevant (for example, orchard care applies only to plot holders with a tree).

Ending a Tenancy

• One month’s notice may be given by the Trust
• Rent is not refundable following notice

Further Information and Applications

For:

• Availability of plots
• Applying for an allotment
• Full tenancy agreement and detailed rules

Please contact:

Parish Clerk
Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council