Animals, poultry and bees
The keeping of Livestock and Bees on allotment plots is strictly controlled by the Council. Livestock and Bees may be permitted where they are properly managed, do not cause nuisance, disturbance, health risks or inconvenience to neighbouring tenants, residents or visitors, and where they comply with all relevant animal welfare, public health and disease control legislation.
Cockerels are not permitted on allotment sites under any circumstances.
The keeping of any other animals or livestock, including but not limited to ducks, geese, pigeons, sheep or other poultry or livestock, is strictly prohibited unless prior written consent has been granted by the Council and the animals are kept only on plots specifically designated by the Council for that purpose (“stock plots”). Stock plots are historically designated plots usually where cultivation is not possible.
Where permission is granted following an application process, all animals will be placed on a register with the Council and kept strictly in accordance with the conditions set out in the approval and this tenancy agreement and in line with the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The Council reserves the right to determine the types and numbers of animals permitted and may restrict the keeping of livestock to specific plots or areas of an allotment site.
The Council may withdraw permission to keep animals at any time where concerns arise relating to nuisance, animal welfare, public health, safety, disease control, or where the tenant fails to comply with the terms of this agreement. In such circumstances the tenant must remove the animals from the site within the timescale specified by the Council.
Approval to keep Livestock and Bees valid for two years. A new application form must be submitted for approval before the expiry of the current permission.
Livestock
Tenants or wishing to keep livestock must submit a formal Allotment Livestock Application Form and obtain written approval from the Council before any animals or hives are brought onto site.
Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and approval will depend on:
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the suitability and condition of the proposed housing or hives
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type of plot, the location of the plot and its proximity to neighbouring plots, public areas or residential property
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the applicant’s ability to demonstrate appropriate standards of care, management and animal welfare.
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Poultry Registration (Disease Control) - if you intend to keep poultry (including chickens, pigeons or other birds), you will be required to register your birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency Poultry Register. You will be asked to provide your Registration Number and Number of birds registered.
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Approval from a Bolton Council Environmental Health Team
Applicants may be required to provide evidence of relevant qualifications, training, experience or membership of recognised organisations where appropriate.
Where permission is granted to keep hens, they must be kept in appropriate numbers and housed in suitable accommodation that complies with this tenancy agreement and all relevant animal welfare legislation and guidance.
Housing must be secure, well maintained and regularly cleaned so as not to create nuisance, odour or attract vermin. Coops must provide 1m² of floor space per bird.
Cockerels are not permitted on allotment sites under any circumstances.
Bees
Tenants or wishing to keep bees must submit a formal Allotment Beehive Application Form, Beehives may be permitted on allotment plots where strict conditions are satisfied. Applicants must:
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Demonstrate suitable qualifications, recognised training or sufficient practical experience in beekeeping.
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Be a current member of a recognised beekeeping association, such as the British Beekeepers Association or an equivalent recognised body.
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Ensure that all hives are registered with the National Bee Unit where required.
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Hold valid public liability insurance with a minimum indemnity of £5 million in respect of beekeeping activities.
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Provide the Council with a copy of the insurance certificate prior to placing any hives on site and upon each annual renewal.
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Maintain continuous insurance cover for the entire period during which hives are kept on the allotment.
Any swarming activity must be reported to the Council immediately. Where necessary, the Council may take appropriate action to protect the safety of tenants, visitors and members of the public.
Animal welfare and management
Tenants must ensure that all animals kept on allotment plots are:
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provided with adequate food, water, shelter and appropriate housing
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kept in clean, safe and secure conditions
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managed in a way that prevents nuisance, odour, vermin or disturbance to others
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kept in accordance with all relevant animal welfare and disease control legislation
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are kept in accordance with the animal welfare act 2006
Monitoring and compliance
Once permission has been granted to keep animals, poultry, bees or livestock, authorised Council officers will carry out inspections of the plot and animals accommodation at reasonable times without prior notice in order to ensure compliance with allotment rules and relevant legislation.
If a tenant is found to be keeping Livestock or Bees that are not declared on their approved Application Form, or is keeping more animals than authorised, this will constitute a breach of the tenancy agreement.
Approval to keep Livestock or Bees on an allotment plot will be granted for a period of two years only. Tenants wishing to continue keeping Livestock or Bees after this period must submit a new Livestock or Bee Application Form for review and approval prior to the expiry of the existing permission.
The Council reserves the right to refuse renewal or amend conditions where necessary.
Applications
All Allotment Livestock or Beehive Application Forms must be submitted to the Council’s allotments service at:
No Livestock or Bees may be brought onto an allotment site until written permission has been granted.