Policy Title: Bonfire Policy
The purpose of this policy is to provide members of the Spondon Horticultural Society with guidance and a set of rules as to how, when and where bonfires can/cannot be made on any allotment plot.
Introduction and Guidance
The lighting of bonfires in order to burn vegetation is frowned upon by the Derby City Council. The regular burning of bonfires could be judged to be a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Under this Act a local authority has the right to impose an Abatement Notice on the offender preventing them from having further bonfires and also potentially bringing legal action leading to fines.
Spondon Horticultural Society (SHS), in accordance with the directive from the Environmental Protection Team at Derby City Council, supports alternative means of disposing of waste (composting/recycling etc) and so bonfires should be avoided wherever possible, especially in light of the environmental and human health impacts now proven to be associated with particulate air pollution. Apart from health issues associated with bonfires they can also become irritating to surrounding residents if the smoke and smell prevents the hanging out washing, opening windows and the use of outdoor areas/gardens.
As an alternative to a bonfire all plot holders should consider composting their leaves and waste vegetation. Also, waste that cannot be composted should be removed from site and placed into household recycling brown bins or disposed of at waste recycling centres whenever possible.
If, having first considered the above recommended (and preferred) alternatives to a bonfire, you do make the decision to have a bonfire (or burning in an incinerator) then you must adhere to the following rules and accept personal responsibility for the consequences should there be complaints made or legal action taken.
Bonfire Rules
- No bonfire is to be lit during the spring/summer months from 1st April to 30th September inclusive. (Where site maintenance dictates, the committee only may have an occasional bonfire if they consider it absolutely necessary in order to clear vacant plots during this prohibited period).
- No bonfire is to be lit if the wind direction means that smoke is likely to blow over adjacent households.
- Wherever possible bonfires should only be lit at dusk. Avoid having a bonfire during the daytime when other plot holders are on site. Please be prepared to extinguish a bonfire if someone asks you to.
- A bonfire must not be left unattended and must be kept safe at all times. All bonfires shall be completely burnt out or extinguished before leaving the site to go home. Do not leave a bonfire (or incinerator) smouldering with wet vegetation overnight into the next day.
- In order to minimise the amount of smoke generated by a bonfire only burn dry material. This might mean drying your waste and then storing it until such time as a bonfire is appropriate.
- Try to keep the overall number of bonfires on site to an absolute minimum by drying and storing your waste and burning it once per year.
- Do not under any circumstances bring any material or household rubbish onto site for the sole purpose of burning it on your allotment. All household waste shall be disposed of outside of the allotments.
- Do not burn treated wood, old furniture, carpets, paper, plastics, foam or paint on site.
- Any complaints from residents regarding the nuisance of bonfires, either directly, or via Derby City Council Environmental Team, will be the responsibility of the person lighting the bonfire which led to the complaint and any subsequent action. Furthermore, where a plot holder contravenes this policy they will be personally liable for any fines or legal action the Authorities may wish to take.
- The committee reserve the right to temporarily suspend this Bonfire Policy and put alternative rules in place to allow for unusual conditions.
Amendment Record
New Document –Issued September 2021