Rochdale Borough Council

Coronavirus (COVID-19): allotments update

The council-owned allotments in the borough remain open, although we would remind you to follow social distancing advice. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, carefully and frequently and will keep this website updated.

Waiting list for allotments

There is currently a waiting list of between 3-6 years to get a plot and over 300 people on the waiting list. The length of time people wait depends on how specific they have been about where they want the plot - they don't come free very often.

To overcome this long waiting time, we're splitting larger vacant plots into a number of smaller plots and being more pro-active about dealing with non-cultivation by plot-holders. We're also looking at setting up new allotment sites and hoping this will reduce the waiting time, but can't guarantee this.

Uses for an allotment

We've just over 200 allotment plots across 25 sites that we manage directly. We also have 10 self-managed allotment sites with their own Allotment Society, who manage their own waiting lists. Where permission is required, it's granted on a site by site and plot by plot basis as not all locations are suitable.

On an allotment you can:

• Grow fruit and vegetables
• Ask for permission to keep chickens, ducks and pigeons
• Ask for permission to keep bees
• Grow a limited amount of cut flowers

The best time to visit your local allotment site is Sunday morning when there is a possibility that plot holders will be around and can help you with any questions.

Apply for a council allotment

Fill in the form to add your name to the waiting list. If your circumstances change while you are waiting, please use the same form to let us know.

Apply for an allotment (opens in a new window)

Join the self-managed allotment site society waiting lists

As well as going on the council allotment waiting list, you may also wish to contact the Self-Managed Allotment Site Society to join their waiting list too. 

Please note: Boarshaw T&R Allotments and Valley Road Allotments are located on Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) land. This means final management of these 2 allotments lies with RBH.