01388 207 110
01388 207 110

The Town Council is currently on Purdah.

This period is due to end 6 May, 2025

Allotments

Allotments provide an excellent opportunity for people to grow their own produce and at the same time get plenty of fresh air and exercise.

Produce grown can contribute to a healthy balanced diet and it is also a great social activity.

The Town Council is responsible for eight allotment sites in the town and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
The size of the plot in square metres (sq/m) will determine the amount of rent charged.

Some of our allotment sites are managed with the help of active associations sites, one is completely self-managed, the rest is managed by the Town Council.

You can view an interactive Google Map with the eight site locations at the bottom of this page.

Apply for an Allotment

Complete Form

Structure Application

Complete Form

Co-worker Request

Complete Form

Termination Request

Complete Form

Renewals

PDF Self Inspection Report 2024-2025

If you are renewing your allotment, don't forget to complete and return your Self Inspection Report with your signed Tenancy Agreement.

07/04/2025 - Avian influenza: Housing order introduced across County Durham

In response to the significant increase in findings of avian influenza in kept and wild birds, in addition to the national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), mandatory housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds will now also apply in new areas (County Durham, Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyneside) as follows:

  • County Durham – Added from 7th April 2025
  • Cheshire
  • City of Kingston Upon Hull
  • Cumbria – Added from 7th April
  • Herefordshire
  • The East Riding of Yorkshire
  • Lancashire
  • Lincolnshire
  • Merseyside
  • Norfolk
  • Northumberland – Added from 7th April
  • North Yorkshire
  • Shropshire
  • Suffolk
  • Tyneside – Added from 7th April
  • Worcestershire
  • York

These new measures will come into force at 00:01 on Monday 7th April 2025.

All bird keepers in these areas must, from this date, house their birds in addition to following stringent biosecurity measures. If keepers fall into a Protection Zone outside of these areas, they must also house their birds.

Further information about the additional housing measures is available in the press release on GOV.UK.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) requiring mandatory biosecurity measures still remains in place across GB.

Please check the disease control zones on our avian influenza interactive map to see what restrictions are in place and the biosecurity guidance available on GOV.​UK.

Definitive requirements are set out in the published declarations for each disease control zone currently in force.  More information is available on GOV.UK and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)

17/09/2024 - Important update: Current and renewing Tenants on all allotment sites permitting livestock.

Commencing 1st October 2024, in England and Wales you must register with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), if you keep any poultry or other captive bird. This includes any birds you keep as pets.

This is a legal requirement and you’ll be breaking the law if you do not register.

To register with APHA and for further information or guidance, visit the .GOV.UK website:

49 birds or fewer
50 birds or more

Sites

Woodhouse Close Allotment

Cultivation and small livestock

The Town Council has direct responsibility for the tenancies of this allotment site, which is situated off Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland.

Number of plots: 52

Mill Race Allotment

Cultivation and small livestock

The Town Council has direct responsibility for the tenancies of this allotment site which is situated opposite the Bishop Auckland Rugby Club on Bridge Road, Bishop Auckland.

Number of plots: 44

Toronto Allotment

Cultivation only

The Town Council has direct responsibility for the tenancies of this allotment site. These allotments are adjacent to residential homes and are primarily used as domestic gardens, therefore allocations will be uncommon.

Number of plots: 3

Tindale Crescent Allotments

Cultivation and small livestock

Tindale Crescent allotment site is situated off Walker Drive in Tindale Crescent. The Town Council has direct responsibility for the tenancies of this allotment site with support from site volunteers.

Number of plots: 47

South Church Lane Allotment Association

Cultivation only

South Church Lane allotment site is a fully self-managed site located on South Church Road opposite Holdforth MOT and Autocare Centre, Bishop Auckland. South Church has a garden shop which is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am until 12 noon. Sales are strictly to members only, but anyone not a tenant of the site can become a member for £1 per year. All proceeds go to the Association to help fund the upkeep of the site.

Number of plots: 65

Pollards Allotment Association

Cultivation only

The Pollards allotment site is currently established as an Association and is situated next to The Pollards Public House on Etherley Lane, Bishop Auckland.

Number of plots: 72

Edge Hill Allotment Association

Cultivation only

Edge Hill Allotment site is currently leased to the Town Council and managed by an Association. The site is situated in Edge Hill, off Etherley Lane, Bishop Auckland.

Number of plots: 34

Broken Banks Allotment

Cultivation only

The Town Council has direct responsibility for the tenancies of this allotment site which is situated off Hexham Street, Bishop Auckland.

Number of plots: 7

A ‘Waiting List’ is held for each of our allotment site and allocations are made on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, determined by the date the application is received.

It is not possible to determine an average waiting time, as plots usually become available as and when an existing tenant decides to give up their tenancy.

If you are interested in renting a plot at one of these allotment sites, please complete the application form below.
Applicants are advised to familiarise themselves with the Allotment Rules and Regulations.

Town Council rules and regulations

PDF Appendix 1 Allotment Rules and Regulations

Forms

PDF Allotment Application Form January 2025

PDF Allotment Co-Worker Application

PDF Request to Terminate Tenancy Form Request by Tenant

Structure applications

As a tenant wanting to build any structure on an allotment, a Structure Application Form must be completed and must be approved by the Town Council before any structure is built on any allotment plot, stating the materials that are proposed to be used in its construction.

PDF Structure Application Form

This refers to any form of physical construction on an allotment and the following examples are including but not limited to: Greenhouse, Polytunnel, Raised Bed, Shed, Chicken Run, Fence etc. (This list is not exhaustive).

The use of pourable concrete, postcrete and any other materials permanent by nature are not permitted for use on any allotment site.

If you are unsure if you will require permission, you are advised to contact the Town Council by email allotments@bishopauckland-tc.gov.uk and this request can be considered by Members of the Allotment Committee.

Newsletters

As a tenant wanting to build any structure on an allotment, a Structure Application Form must be completed and must be approved by the Town Council before any structure is built on any allotment plot, stating the materials that are proposed to be used in its construction.

PDF Allotment Newsletter 001

PDF Allotment Newsletter 002

PDF Allotment Newsletter 003

PDF Allotment Newsletter 004

PDF Allotment Newsletter 005

You may need a product like Adobe Reader to view PDF documents on our website.

Map

The town is also served by Durham County Council who has responsibility for the following areas:

Investors in the Environment Pledge Local Council Award Scheme Foundation Bishop Auckland Regeneration Brighter Bishop Auckland