WEST NORTHAMPTONSHIRE AND ALLOTMENT RULES ON
KEEPING POULTRY
If you want to keep chickens on your plot the 1st thing you’ll need is permission from the allotment committee. The committee in turn have to get permission from the West Northamptonshire Council.
To apply you’ll need to complete an application form. This is available from the committee.
A list of the rules for is available to download from West Northamptonshire Council Allotment Rules and Regulations. See the link below:
If you want to keep chickens on your plot the 1st thing you’ll need is permission from the allotment committee. The committee in turn have to get permission from the West Northamptonshire Council.
To apply you’ll need to complete an application form. This is available from the committee.
A list of the rules for is available to download from West Northamptonshire Council Allotment Rules and Regulations. See the link below:
Permitted Livestock and Pets – Download your copy of West Northamptonshire Council Allotment Rules and Regulations here:
https://www.northampton.gov.uk/downloads/file/12692/allotment-rules-and-requirements
Brief Summary of Allotment Rules on keeping Poultry (Chickens)
26. Permitted Livestock and Pets:
Permitted livestock on allotment sites is restricted to hens, turkeys and rabbits, cockerels are NOT allowed.
Such livestock is considered a crop and areas used for livestock will be considered as cultivated land
Written permission must be received before any structure or permitted livestock are brought onto a site and any fencing or structure must be approved (see section 19).
The Allotments Officer reserves the right to withdraw permission to keep permitted livestock if relevant welfare guidelines (local and national) are not followed or the rest of the plot is not considered to be cultivated.
No more than 2.5 poles of land can be used to keep livestock on a 10 pole plot and no more than 1.25 poles on a 5 pole plot. You must make sure that you have written permission form the Allotments Officer before erecting any coops, etc.
Livestock housing/runs’ erected before 31 December 2013, are not affected by these rule changes, however should the registered Plot Holder leave the livestock housing/run must be removed and these rules changes will apply.
Most important is that you follow the Government Rules and Adhere to the Registration as of October 2024 – See below
GOVERNMENT RULES ON KEEPING POULTRY
It’s most important that you’re aware of the responsibility you’ll have for taking precautions against Avian (Bird) flu.
Avian (Bird) Flu
The most recent series of Bird Flu outbreaks is unprecedented – the largest ever in the UK (and worldwide) – and has killed tens of thousands of birds.
The Government Biosecurity Laws you must follow:
Click on this web link: prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.
AIPZ Rules on Bird Houses (Coops) Rules to protect from bird flu; click here England
If you keep chickens, use this checklist to make sure you’re meeting the minimum standards to protect them against bird flu.
Fill in:
- Part 1 if you keep poultry or other captive birds (including game birds and pet birds)
Talk to your vet if you need help filling in this assessment. Keep a copy of your completed checklist. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) or your local authority could ask for it if they inspect your premises
If you do not have a printer, please contact trev.berry@icloud.com who can provide you with the checklist.
Here are a few reminder’s:
- Maximum of 25% of your plot can be used for keeping livestock.
- Permitted livestock on allotment sites is restricted to hens, turkeys and rabbits, cockerels are NOT allowed.
- Such livestock is considered a crop and areas used for livestock will be considered as cultivated land (unless for example areas are left to go to seed).
- Written permission must be received before any structure or permitted livestock are brought onto a site and any fencing or structure must be approved (see section 19 of the allotment rules and requirements).
- The Allotments Officer reserves the right to withdraw permission to keep permitted livestock if relevant welfare guidelines (local and national) are not followed or the rest of the plot is not considered to be cultivated.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact any member of the committee.
New Regulations to keep Chickens as of October 2024
People who keep 50 or less chickens should have registered before the legal deadline which passed on the 1st October. This registration is designed to prevent fresh outbreaks of Avian (bird) flu.
Owners of who failed to register on time risk being fined or even imprisoned, though officials have stressed any punishment would be “proportionate”.
Farmers say registration is “vital” to protect the poultry population.
See the UK/Gov web site below:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-as-a-keeper-of-less-than-50-chickens
From here you’ll be able to download the form to complete and instructions.
The form is available from this link:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/Register_50-or_less_poultry_birds.pdf
If you need help contact me (Trevor) or any other member of the committee.
Leave a Reply