Growing spaces for the Stokesley community, managed by your Town Council
Stokesley Town Council manages the allotment site on behalf of tenants, leasing the land from Lady Hullock’s Trust. Whether you’re an existing tenant or thinking of applying, here’s a straightforward guide to how the allotments work.
Plot Types & Pricing
The site offers sixty plots across three categories — Full, Reduced, and Half plots — each charged at a different rate. Half plots are limited in availability, as the layout of many larger plots makes splitting them difficult. All plots are individually fenced, and tenants are responsible for their own maintenance in line with the Tenancy Agreement
Site Security & Access
The allotment boundary is secured by palisade fencing and a robust hedge. Entry for both pedestrians and vehicles is through a padlocked gateway, which must remain locked at all times. Keys are issued on a refundable deposit, with a second key available for an additional deposit. Each plot must display its plot number clearly at the entry point.
Tenancy & Deposits
A refundable surety deposit is required to cover the cost of any significant remediation work should a tenancy end in neglect. The Council will assess plot condition at the end of a tenancy — where remedial work is needed, the deposit may be withheld. Tenants will normally receive a Notice to Improve before any Notice to Quit is issued.
Rent & How It’s Managed
The allotments are designed to be self-financing in day-to-day costs, covering rent, water rates, and basic maintenance. Lady Hullock’s Trust reviews rental rates every three years, and tenants will be notified of any changes at least one year in advance. Larger projects can be funded through appropriate funding streams or Special Project reserves, via the Allotments Committee.
Annual rent is collected in January at a formal general meeting held in the Town Hall — a combined formal and social occasion. A more informal autumn gathering also takes place for prize-giving and guest speakers. Key information from both meetings feeds into the Allotments Committee agenda, and a newsletter is circulated to tenants by email or post following publication of the minutes. Keeping your contact details up to date with the Council is essential. Your information is never shared without your prior agreement.
Notice Boards & Communications
Two notice boards are located at the gateway. The first displays the current Tenancy Agreement and, on the reverse, the Health & Safety Risk Management Strategy for the site. The second board is for tenant use — the key is in the Key Safe (no code required) attached to the fence behind it. Please keep notices current and remove them once they’ve expired.
Pest Control & Plot Maintenance
Contracted rat control is provided (see Tenancy Agreement), and general areas are sprayed twice yearly. Mole control is not covered. Tenants are asked to maintain their own track boundaries — including spraying, weeding, cutting, and edging — in line with the Agreement.
The track leading to the allotments across the back of Lady Hullock’s Court, along with the hedgerow and verge, is the responsibility of Broadacres Housing Trust.
Safety on Site
For your own safety, we strongly recommend that all tenants:
- Carry a mobile phone at all times when on site
- Make a note of the allotments postcode (displayed at the gateway)
- Keep a basic first aid kit to hand
An emergency access key safe is located on the main gatepost for use by the emergency services.
How to Apply or Get in Touch
To enquire about a plot or raise any matter regarding the allotments, contact us in one of the following ways:
- Town Clerk – Visit the Town Hall, or get in touch by phone or email
- Allotments Committee Chair – Available by email
- Allotments Volunteer Caretaker – Contact details displayed on the notice board at the gateway
When you’re invited to view an available plot, you’ll be met by a Council representative — usually the Allotments Committee Chair — who can answer your questions and provide a copy of the Tenancy Agreement. Once you’ve had a chance to read it, simply visit the Town Clerk’s office to sign up, collect your key, and pay the deposits.