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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.

It is important to know that tending to an allotment can involve a lot of time, physical based work and ongoing efforts, but the fruits (and vegetables) of that labour can be very satisfying. 

Produce grown on an allotment can contribute to a healthy balanced diet, it offers an opportunity to learn from others with the same interests and it is 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 are managed by the Town Council direct.

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

Notices

Important: All current and renewing Tenants on Bishop Auckland Town Council allotment sites permitting livestock.

From the 1st October 2024 onwards, 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 to register with APHA and you will 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

11/11/2026 - Mandatory poultry housing declared in England, Avian Influenza Prevention Zone in force on Friday 13th November 2026.

In response to the increased avian influenza risk, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity is now in place across England and Scotland.

It is now a legal requirement for all bird keepers in England and Scotland to follow stringent biosecurity measures to protect poultry and captive birds.

This requires all keepers in England and Scotland, whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock to undertake enhanced biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease. Please also see the biosecurity guidance on GOV.UK for more information.

National Housing Order declared to protect birds from Avian Influenza
A mandatory poultry housing Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to cover the whole of England will also come into force from 00:01 on Friday 13th November 2026, following the increased risk and escalating number of confirmations of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or bird flu) in kept birds and findings in wild birds.

The new measures mean bird keepers across the whole of England must house all poultry and captive birds if they keep 50 or more birds or if they sell or give eggs, poultry products and live birds away. Please see the press release on GOV.UK for more information.

Please check the disease control zones on the  bird flu disease zone map to see what restrictions are in place and find out how to house your birds safely.

Contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) should you require any further information.

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.The Waiting List and allocations to this site are temporarily suspended.

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 to this site 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: 56

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: 120

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: 73

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

Waiting List

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.

Allotment Rules and Regulations

These Allotment Rules and Regulations apply to the eight allotment sites listed above.

PDF BATC Allotment Rules and Regulations 2026-27 (Appendix 1)

Supplementary Policies

These supplementary policies are in addition to the Allotment Rules and Regulations (Appendix 1) above and apply to Tenants who have been granted formal permission to keep birds, or small animals on an allotment site that allows livestock.

PDF BATC Pigeon Keeping Policy 2026-27

PDF BATC Poultry Keeping Policy 2026-27

Forms

PDF BATC Allotment Co-Worker Application

PDF BATC Application to Keep Pigeons Form

PDF BATC Application to Keep Poultry Form

PDF Request to Terminate Tenancy Form 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 BATC 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.

Beekeeping

The Council recognises the ecological importance of all bee species and wishes to support initiatives to increase the number of bee colonies.  Although the keeping of honey bees cannot be granted automatically, the Council will support beekeeping on its allotment sites wherever it is appropriate.

Applications must be made in writing using our beekeeping application form. You will need to contact the Town Council to obtain a form, as this is not published on the website.

Further information is available on the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) website on keeping bees at an allotment site: www.bbka.org.uk/allotment-beekeeping

The Town Council also offers some information, including some additional rules on keeping bees and things to consider before making an application, including what is involved in keeping bees and duty of care and additional responsibilities of the Tenant.

PDF BATC Beekeeping Information and Rules

Newsletters

A list of current and historical newsletters issued:

PDF Allotment Newsletter 001

PDF Allotment Newsletter 002

PDF Allotment Newsletter 003

PDF Allotment Newsletter 004

PDF Allotment Newsletter 005

PDF Allotment Newsletter 006

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