allotment officers

I've no idea how Burnley deals with its plots, so my comments are only possibly right!

First point, it depends on the type of letter which has gone out - a friendly warning giving 4 weeks to start work, a more stern letter giving 4 or fewer weeks notice to make proper progress, a really stern letter giving a week to make progress before the tenancy is terminated ... I could go on but you get the picture!

The council officer probably then needs to wait for the given period before inspecting the site again; I'd expect a further round of letters (or termination notices) to be sent at that stage, depending on the response of the tenants.

Here we have a generous system of letters - probably 3 stages minimum including the termination letter.  Burnley may be different.  

It may well be that it's another month or two before the final position on  these plots is known - and you also need to take into account how many others are above you on the list, if anyone.

However, at the very least, your council officer does appear to be indicating that you are at / near the top of the list - which is reason for hope in itself.  Fingers crossed