Livestock on allotment sites
We are happy for allotment plot tenants to keep certain livestock on their plots. However, the welfare of the animals and compliance with relevant regulations issued by DEFRA, other authorities and the Council is essential.
The only livestock permitted on allotment plots are chickens, ducks and bees and only with prior written consent from the Council. The following conditions apply:
Chickens and ducks
- The number of animals must be manageable. Cockerels are not permitted.
- Animals must be well cared for and humanely managed at all times.
- Animals must not cause danger, risk, nuisance, interference, disturbance or annoyance to other plot tenants, visitors or the owners or occupiers of neighbouring properties.
- Tenants must comply with all relevant requirements, including any registrations, as set out by DEFRA, other regulatory bodies, Government agencies and the Council.
Bees
- The tenant-beekeeper must be suitably qualified to care for the bees competently and this must be proved to the satisfaction of the Council.
- The tenant-beekeeper must have completed a recognised course, including both theoretical and practical training, satisfaction by the Council.
- The tenant-beekeeper must be a full member of a recognised beekeeping association and have full insurance against third-party damage.
- The tenant-beekeepers' contact details must be clearly displayed on the allotment plot for emergencies.
- Bees brought onto the site should be of good temperament and kept that way.
- Bees must be well cared for and humanely managed at all times.
- Bees must not cause danger, risk, nuisance, interference, disturbance or annoyance to other plot tenants, visitors or the owners or occupiers of neighbouring properties.
- Tenants must comply with all relevant requirements, including any registrations, as set out by DEFRA, other regulatory bodies, Government agencies and the Council.
Tenant responsibility
Tenants are responsible for ensuring that all livestock are kept in accordance with current legislation and guidance from DEFRA, other Government agencies and the Council.
This page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenants should check official sources regularly for updates.
Council Discretion
The Council has sole discretion to decide that keeping livestock on the site would be prejudicial to health or a nuisance and if deemed necessary will suspend permission to keep chickens/ducks/bees on site without appeal.