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.