Welcome to the Allotment Service

We own one site in the borough which holds 24 plots at the moment.

An allotment plot. Courtesy of A Batallie

An allotment plot. Courtesy of A Batallie

Fresh produce. Courtesy of A Batallie

Allotment holders

Where the Allotment Sites Are

The allotments are based at Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre. There are also private allotments in Ballyclare. Details on these private plots can be downloaded below.

The Cost of Allotments in Ballyearl

£30 for a small plot (less than 150 sq metres)
£36 for a half plot (150 sq metres or more)
£50 for a large plot (300 sq metres or more)

A concession of 10% is available for those on means tested benefits, or those with a disability or those who are 60 years or over. 

An allotment plot. Courtesy of A Batallie

Courtesy of A Batallie

Advice About Time Commitment

Allotments can be extremely enjoyable but please be aware that keeping one is a major time commitment. Allotment holders spend from 6-10 hours a week during the summer, to 2-3 hours a week during winter, regularly tending their plots. Time spent at the allotments is very rewarding – apart from the vegetables, fruit and flowers there is also good social contacts with other gardeners. However, if you do not keep your plot weed free you may not make any friends at all as your weeds spread to other plots!

How You Can Apply

To apply for an allotment plot, please email leisureadmin@newtownabbey.gov.uk or call Leisure Services on 028 90 340000.

The Current Situation as Regards the Waiting List

Due to demand, we can only accept applications from residents of the borough of Newtownabbey. For most sites, you can expect to wait several years from now for an allotment. There are current 103 people on the Council’s waiting list.

When a plot becomes available we will write to the person at the top of the list with an offer and suggest you make arrangements to view it. Please remember to tell us if you change address within the borough.

Events

The allotment holders are involved and interested in green events in the Borough. They have manned stalls at the Loughshore festival and provided produce to be sold in aid of charity. They are also forthcoming with help and advice to all who ask.

The Hire Agreement

The letting of allotments is subject to rules. Download the details in pdf format at the bottom of this page.

Advice on Cultivating and Maintaining Plots

Keeping an allotment is a leisure activity. We do not demand strict rows of vegetables but it is only fair to expect a sensible standard of cultivation. Exactly what this ’standard’ means is left fairly flexible but you can expect your neighbours, to decide what they can live with. Plots are regularly inspected by the Council. If a plot-holder fails to cultivate the plot, we will contact them about it. Mostly this is a temporary phase and people get back to work. If not, the reminder prompts them to give up and the plot is offered to the next person waiting.

Facilities

There is a portakabin available to all plot holders at the site. It has a toilet, wash room and kitchen. Plot holders are expected to keep this clean and maintained and to ensure that all lights, heating and equipment is turned off when the last person leaves the kabin. You will be allocated your own key. There is ample car-parking available.

The allotment service is part of the parks and cemeteries service.

Contacts

Caroline Douglas

Telephone: 02890 340207

Email:cdouglas@newtownabbey.gov.uk

Related Documents to Download:

The Hire Agreement (39.6Kb)

Lisglass Allotments Information (16Kb)

Top of page