Allotments
Allotment gardening in Luton
Allotment gardening offers many benefits for people and the environment. It supports healthy eating, provides opportunities to spend time outdoors and helps build a sense of community. Luton has thirteen allotment sites located across the town.
Seven sites are managed by the council:
- Bradley Road
- Ferndale Road
- Gipsy Lane (waiting list closed)
- Hart Hill Lane (waiting list closed)
- Knapps Farm
- Limbury Mead
- Wigmore Valley Park
Six sites are managed by allotment associations formed by plot‑holders:
- Lewsey Farm Association (Ravenhill Way)
- Moat Farm Association (Riddy Lane / Nunnery Lane) (waiting list closed)
- Stockingstone Road Association
- Stockwood Park Association
- Toddington Road Association
- Wigmore Lane Association
From 1 July 2025, the waiting lists for Gipsy Lane, Hart Hill Lane and Moat Farm remain closed to new applicants until further notice. Existing applicants will keep their place on these lists. This helps manage high demand and maintain reasonable waiting times.
Applying for an allotment
Before applying, read the information below so you can decide whether an allotment is right for you. Managing a plot can be enjoyable and rewarding but also requires time and ongoing commitment.
- The current cost of an allotment is £10 per pole per year
- A pole measures just over five metres, and most plots are around eight poles. Smaller plots may be available
- There is also a non‑refundable administration fee of £25, which includes the cost of your key or keys
Considerations before applying
Taking on an allotment involves several practical and personal factors. Please think about the following before you apply:
Time commitment
Plots need regular attention for tasks such as planting, watering, weeding and harvesting. Most allotments require about an hour of work each day across the year.
Plot size
Choose a plot size you can realistically maintain. Smaller plots can be a good option if your time is limited.
Cost
Although relatively low‑cost, allotments still require an annual fee and expenses such as seeds, tools and optional items like sheds.
Experience
If you are new to gardening, you may wish to explore community gardens or seek support from family members before taking on your own plot.
Long term commitment
Allotments work best when maintained consistently year after year. Please consider whether you can commit to this over the long term.
Physical demands
Gardening involves physical work such as digging and lifting. Consider any health needs or limitations you may have.
Tools and storage
Some sites do not have storage facilities. You may need to transport your tools or install your own storage in line with the site’s conditions of use.
Waste
Garden waste must not be left on site. Compost what you can and take non‑compostable waste to your household bins or a local recycling centre.
Terms of use
Please review the tenancy agreement and conditions of use before applying. Association‑managed sites will have their own agreements.
Environmental impact
Sustainable gardening practices help support a healthier environment such as:
- composting
- using organic seeds and reducing chemical use
Tenancy agreement and conditions of use
Templates for tenancy agreements and conditions of use for council‑managed sites can be found in the documents provided. Association run sites have their own versions, which may differ in some areas.
Before you start
To apply for an allotment in Luton, you must meet the following requirements:
- allotments are only available to individual Luton residents
- they cannot be allocated to companies and cannot be transferred within families
- larger sites are managed by volunteer associations, and you must join the association if offered a plot
- association‑run sites require an annual subscription in addition to rent
- all allotments follow a standard tenancy agreement, which cannot be changed
- tenancy at association‑run sites is with the association rather than the council
There is a waiting list for allotments, managed in date order. We will contact you when a plot becomes available. Waiting times cannot be predicted.
If you have any questions, email parksallotments@luton.gov.uk.
Volunteering and community gardening
If you are on a waiting list or want to get involved in local gardening projects, you can join community groups or volunteer in one of our parks. These projects offer chances to learn new skills, meet others and contribute to your local environment.
For more information, visit the volunteering page or email parksvolunteers@luton.gov.uk.
Contact us
If you require any further information.
Parks and allotments
Wardown Park
Old Bedford Road
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU2 7HA
Telephone: 01582 546000
Email: parksallotments@luton.gov.uk