THE price of allotments in Nottingham could triple within the next five years.
Changes to tenancy agreements and how plots are allocated are also proposed.
Nottingham City Council has launched a public consultation on how allotments are let, in response to increased demand for plots.
Rent for allotments would increase next year from its current charge of 7p per square metre to 10p per square metre.
It would then rise each year by 2p per metre until 2016, when it would rise by 4p, taking it to 20p. The water charge would also be increased.
A 25 per cent discount would still apply to disabled pensioners and to people receiving Job Seeker's Allowance.
The council has also set out a number of conditions that must be met by allotment holders, such as keeping plots well managed and cultivated and allowing the council to inspect them when requested.
Rachael Hemmings, secretary of Sneinton Dale allotments, said that while she thought many of the changes were positive, it would be a shame if people had to stop growing their own food because they could not longer afford the rent.
"I know there will be a lot of people grumbling about it and it's going to out-price a lot of people, and that's a real shame. On the other hand, we find it really difficult to get rid of people who aren't cultivating and wasting the space.
"I think it will be difficult to manage but I do think it's a good idea and perhaps the increased rent will make people think about sharing larger spaces with neighbours or friends, which will make better use of spaces."
The changes would initially affect plot-holders who lease directly from the council. But it hopes they will eventually be introduced at leasehold and association-run sites.
The council is also reviewing the way plots are allocated.
Under its proposals, tenants would not be able to own more than one plot or transfer their plot to someone else unless it was a close friend or family member who had helped maintain the site for a long time.
City off Nottingham residents would get priority when plots were allocated and organisations would not be offered a site if there was a waiting list of individuals.
Councillor David Trimble said it was the first time in a decade that the council had proposed ground rent rises.
"Even in the fifth year of the proposed yearly increases, the cost of renting a plot with Nottingham City Council would still be less than �2 a week and a 25% discount would remain in place for the unemployed, pensioners and the disabled.
"The council currently manages 3,300 allotment plots spread over 50 locations and is actively working with the gardeners to get their views so they are all taken into consideration. If agreed, we are confident that the rate will remain favourable in comparison to other cities.
"The council supports allotment gardening as it has many health benefits and is good for the environment. Any additional rental income will therefore be ring-fenced for reinvestment into allotments."
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