[Babstreefern]

What a load of idiots (I am being polite here).  I have the same problem with my neighbours whose properties butt up against the rear of my allotment.  One of the neighbours have a kid that have footballs that come sailing over - I too used to throw them back, I even got chatting with the parents of same kid, even gave them some of my produce, but they just let the kids kick the ball over - now I just collect the balls (they are usually laying amongst my produce), and in the bin they go - I wouldn't mind, but the balls are really good quality.

As long as the shed is on the allotment property and not overhanging their gardens, then ignore them.  They must have a better outlook than they did before you took over your plot.  Basically, you can erect any shed (as long as its a wooden structure) as its not a "fixed" structure, ie, you can take it down and move it, and re-erect it, unlike a concrete/brick structure, with this type, you need planning permission.

One job I would never take on is a job where you work with the general public - you can't please all of them.  You always get the awkward ones.  So again, the plot-holders who are being "negative" - ask them if they need any of your unwanted junk, you'll soon see them walk away.

Just enjoy yourself - now its quieting down.  Just relax for the next couple of months before gearing up.

[Babstreefern]

Hey Trikidiki - cool - like the idea.  I'll do that instead of throwing the balls away .  Being boys, I'll get a nice bright pink one - they'll love that

[cooperman]

"nowt so queer as folk"

hmmm just read the posts and must say its a bit daunting having to deal with negativity...

Might have been covered here but here's my pennysworth...

As a first point of call the people/association you pay your plot rent to are there to serve you, so if you have any gripes a polite friendly word/letter in their direction should get results.  (as a guide coming from my exprience on my plot we had problems getting the site agent to actually do stuff so a few letters of complaint to the council resulted in the chap being replaced by a much more competant/friendly person who has got lots of things sorted) So, the name of the game is complain in a friendly coherant manner.

Next thing i would have done AT THE OUTSET would have been to have the site cleared by the landlord, sorting a few weeds is no problem but by the sound of your posts the plot was probably the sight junk heap and more than likely everyone contributed to all the dodo dumped there.......  a letter pointing this out might elicit a rent free period... try it - nothing ventured etc....   In this world if you dont ask you dont get....

[Trillium]

As an aside, you could always theaten to move your compost bins to where the sheds are and come up with some wonderful concotion of the smeeliest stuff you can whilst composting, lol.

If the people are particularly unpleasant, liquid compost comfrey close to the fence. That will really fix them; comfrey must be the stinkiest stuff ever discovered 

[compostqueen]

Don't be bullied!  If you let them walk all over you they will do.  It's your plot and you have the right to some peace after all that's why you're there. They should be grateful that you've taken it on and are tidying it up

Be firm. You don't need to be rude.  You could get a gate in place then you won't have folks striding on to your plot

Good luck with it all 

[noshed]

Trillium is right about the comfrey...

[Jakell]

We have a few (thankfully dwindling) miserable curmudgeons on our site too. I find that it works to talk mainly with the folks you do get on with and form a group of sensible folks who understand about being neighbourly,

 It can tun out that the 'miserables' are often in the minority but tend look more important because of constant grumbling and bringing other folks down.

 Hang in there!  Great username BTW.

[digalotty]

i think i would tell them to stop winging why do they think they can have a say what goes on on your plot,   your not complaining what goes on in their garden so tell them to mind their own.    as long as your are on your land and not hanging over theirs then they cant say a word

[evie2]

I know in Scotland we have different by laws etc however I would have thought as long as you haven't built against their fences, left a good 18ins distance, the roof of your shed is not over hanging their property and have provided them with a pleasant outlook for their raised decking, they have nothing to complain about, bunch of NIMBY

Welcome to the forum and well done for all your hard work

[Teen76]

I had a few problems when I had an allotment and I got to a point where I started not going up because I wanted to avoid certain people.  They would spray my plot with weedkiller without knowing whether there was anything growing there and it wasn't even too bad at that time.  Because I started avoiding them it did become very weedy and then they complained to the committee.  I should have reported them first, I had grounds to have them chucked off.

I found that the older folk had lots comments about different things.  The trouble is they have all day every day to make their plots wonderfully spick and span, where as us younger folk are working and have to fit it all in and muster the energy to do it.  They also feel they have far more rights as they've been there for years.

I really do feel for you.  In the end I have created my own little veg garden at home and am feeling excited about next year.  Its a bit more challenging with so little space but then I get to use my imagination a bit more.

I hope you get all things sorted and the miserable old you know whats find someone else to hassle.  As for people who live next door to the allotments, perhaps they shouldn't complain so much because they chose to live next to allotments so what do they expect?  Not to see shed roofs?

Take care and try to have fun.  By the way, I found the first year the hardest.  Once I'd got it how I wanted it, it became easier.

[MOLUSC]

[Umm, I dunno exactly, 5 - 6'? The neighbours houses sort of overlook the plot. They mostly have decking and stuff so it's bit of a wierd layout. It seems like when they are on their decking they are about 2' higher up than the plot ground.
[/quote]

Planning permission is required for decking over 1 foot above the ground (this is a requirement that came into force in oct 2008)
I doubt they have got permission or even know they needed it.
It would also be difficult for them to prove it was built before oct 2008.
It would seem that raising the level of their garden is the cause of the problem ,not your shed.
It is also note worthy that permission is required for decking if it covers more than 50% of the garden and is within 20meters of a highway (including path)
I think you should politely point this out  .