[Livinhope]

Another thought, your MP will get the answers to size and height and put the point across that they need to give you the information so that you can comply.  There again I have a 6 x 4 foot greenhouse and am able to produce everything for our plot that needs starting off inside or early.

[JRRD]

  I have been summoned to a meeting on the site with the site secretary and I suspect I am about to lose my plot.

You are not going to lose your plot ............ it's probably only to underline to you what the rules are (you know the rules they make up as they go along !) 
They would have to have way more reasoning to take away a plot then a few queries to them regarding polytunnel sizes.
If they even barely suggest it then  make sure they know what your defensive stance is going to be on the matter !

[Livinhope]

Just a thought but are there no other plot holders who would support you, or is it a case of 'not wanting to get involved'?  What about the chap who has to adjust his polytunnel, obviously he wasn't given any guidelines.

[deannatrois]

OK, the allotment co-ordinator visited my plot.  Luck being what it is, I wasn't there.., my OH was and he hadn't taken his phone with him so the convo took place between my neighbouring plotholder, the site secretary and my OH (not happy about that needless to say). No notice was given at all.

Basically the neighbouring plot holder totally caved in in spite of the counsellor arranging this meeting (no time was given, it was just to take place asap) for the purpose of preventing him having to destroy or lower his polytunnel.  He said he would.  So couldn't pursue that line of questioning. Apparently it is STILL too big.., but again, no one was told what the size should be.  But because he's a nice chap (exact quote)., they'll allow it?

My OH was told all queries have to go thru the site secretary (who obviously is not as helpful as she could be) as he has 30 sites to administer. So we get messages third or second hand (sometimes she passes them on thru another plot holder).  He doesn't have time to read mails apparently.

Suddenly, instead of polytunnel size restriction being down to prevent the allotments looking built up, its to stop over usage of the water supply.  This has not been mentioned before. There is no compromise available.., the size restrictions are set and I am to consider myself lucky we are allowed to have constructions on the plots at all.., some Wolverhampton sites have communal tool sheds and don't allow constructions at all.  Like I said, no compromise available at all.

I do have a soil depth problem.., even with a lot of work, the maximum I can get is 12 inches, some places the clay sheet is only 6 inches down.  I can't import topsoil because of the risk of contamination and they won't provide any.  If I want.., they will transfer me to a plot in the middle of the site when one becomes available (I haven't even mentioned the sewer manholes that flood in the middle of my site yet lol).  Not really an ideal solution to transfer to another plot and give up all my hard work on this plot?  I was more bothered about the polytunnel problem than soil depth etc but its the same answer.., no compromise.

So.., anyone who wants an allotment.., DON'T apply to Wolverhampton I think. The last thing they look at is making the allotments work or the needs of plot holders.

I have turned it over to the councillor but haven't much hope. To be honest, the whole heart has gone out of it for me now.  I was happy to work my socks off.., and have .., the plot is 2/3 planted., still some work to be done but we have done little else but work on the plot.  It won't be what it could be.., but I suppose I have to be grateful I still have some earth to work in.  Somehow I am left feeling right now that I should never have applied for one.

[Livinhope]

Sewer manholes flooding?  You need to contact Environmental Health ASAP.

[skywalker]

Have you got a decent MP.  They are there to help their constituents. 

"very few have!" 

[Irene]

Perhaps its simply my limited point of view, but the impression I receive from your messages is that you are almost looking for a negative and not working towards positive.

It may be another location is the answer.

[deannatrois]

The sewer manholes flooding has happened in the past, but not in the last couple of years as far as I can find out.  I'm more worried about the chunk of growing space they take up (about 2 square metres.

I have gotten the councillor involved.., she's contacted the allotment co-ordinator and thought he was the sort of man that a compromise would be reached with.  I have also contacted the Environmental Change and Sustainability part of the council to see if I can get the two departments talking to each other.

I am also going to do some research and find out if any eco friendly groups support polytunnel methods of growing fruit and veg.., and if there are ways officially of cutting down on water useage.  I'm not sure, if u use methods of saving rain water that they are high water use.

Irene.., I am not sure what u are saying.  I simply think that growers should be enabled on the sites.., not disabled.  As I have asked by mail four times for the size restrictions.., and have yet to be given them.., and my neighbour has been made to lower his polytunnel .., how is this being negative? If I am so negative.., how come I've cleared and planted the majority of this site?

More exasperated by the red tape lol.

I can't relocate as I don't drive, and have a 14 year old with special needs, and a four year old.., so this site which is close is in other respects ideal for me.

[allotmenteer]

Believe me you are doing a great job, give your self a pat on the back you deserve it. I have a polytunel 30ft by 15ft and about 10ft at the middle highest. Because polytunnels and sheds are temporary structures planning permission is not necessary. Get your councillor to contact NSALG for some advice, or join as a member yourself if your not already one and ask them for guidance. Think happy thoughts and do not let the beggars get you down.

[deannatrois]

I have tried to put this point of view.., but it seems to make no difference (pointing out a polytunnel can be taken down and put up within one day so it is a temporary structure etc).

It just seems like they make the rules up to give u a no answer as they go along. 

But u'r right, I'm feeling a bit lost right now.., but have not given up.  There will be other allotment plot holders having similiar problems I am sure in Wolverhampton.., and things need to be run a little better. I just need to find the right person that will help sort this situation out.

[allotmenteer]

I feell the right person to sort it out is at the NSALG have a look on their website and send an e-mail, See if that helps.

[deannatrois]

Many thanks.., I can not join immediately (but should be able to within 2 weeks) but am writing a mail to my local representative to ask their advice.

[zazen999]

If they are saying that the polytunnel restriction is about water usage then make sure you get 4 or more water butts, and collect the run off all winter so that you won't be using any of their water.

Job done. Problem sorted. Polytunnel up.