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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.

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.

15/05/2025 Avian influenza update – The AIPZ with mandatory housing measures has now lifted.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) housing measures for poultry and captive birds in England have now been lifted, but the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone mandatory biosecurity measures remain in place across GB.

As birds may have been housed for several months, there will be a 7 day transition period from 00:01 today (Thursday 15 May 2025) until 00:01 on 22 May 2025 during which, where necessary, previously housed birds can be released gradually to minimise welfare issues.  Keepers with any welfare concerns about their birds should speak to their vet.  Further information is available in the press release on GOV.UK.

If you fall within a Protection Zone or Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone, you are still required to house your birds. Please check the disease control zones on the APHA avian influenza interactive map to see what restrictions are in place and the biosecurity guidance available on GOV.​UK.

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

APHA would like to thank all bird keepers for playing their part in managing this disease.

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

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 Allotment Rules and Regulations (Appendix 1)

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

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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