Frequently Asked Questions

A to Z of Services - B

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BACS

Council Suppliers can register for payment of their invoices by BACS Direct Credit.

 

Bank Holidays

Details on opening/closing times for the Civic Offices and bin collection days over Bank Holiday periods.

 

Beach Huts

A range of frequently asked questions on the provision of beach huts has been compiled which may answer any queries you may have.

 

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation (Homeless)

When a household presents to the Council as potentially homeless and appears to be in priority need, Fareham Borough Council may place them in Bed and Breakfast accommodation while enquiries into their housing situation are made.

 

Bedsits

The Housing Act 2004 introduces a mandatory scheme to licence specific types of houses in multiple occupation.  See also Housing - Private Tenants/Landlords.

 

Benches - Commemorative

These can be placed within public spaces and cemeteries, the work being arranged by the Council following discussion and consultation with the prospective donor. For further information please contact the Parks Officer in the Department of Customer Services, Leisure & Community Division on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail parks@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Benefit Fraud

The Benefits Section has a Benefit Fraud Team. To speak to an investigating officer, please ring 01329 236100 or email investigations@fareham.gov.uk or use our online form.

 

Benefits

The Benefits section deals with the administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. Please contact the Benefits Team on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail benefits@fareham.gov.uk. 

 

Best Value

Best Value is a process which requires all local authorities plus the police and fire services, to seek continuous improvement in terms of economy, efficiency and effectiveness in their operations.

Enquiries can be made to our Standards and Performance Review Officer in the Chief Executive's Office on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail performancereview@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Bins - Waste and Recycling

For more information on refuse collection please contact the Refuse & Cleansing section in the Department of Customer Services, Leisure & Community Division, and Street Scene Services on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk.  Compost bins can be purchased at a cheaper rate by calling 0845 073 2002 or visiting www.recyclenow.com/compost (this is an external hyperlink).

 

Biodiversity

A Local Biodiversity Action Plan has been produced for Fareham Borough.  For further information please contact the Ecologist in the Department of Planning and Transportation on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail conservation@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Bird Flu

For information on avian flu contact the Department of Regulatory Services, Environmental Health Division, tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail regulatory@fareham.gov.uk

 

Boat Moorings

See Moorings.

 

Bonfires

It is not illegal to have a bonfire and there are no restrictions on the time of day for having a bonfire. If it is particularly smoky or frequent then nuisance legislation may apply. Please contact the Environmental Health Division within the Department of Regulatory Services on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail regulatory@fareham.gov.uk. Further information on Pollution Control is available or see Environmental Protection UK (this is an external hyperlink). 

 

Booking of Events

If you are planning to hold an event in the Fareham borough, you will need to seek permission from the Department of Customer Services, Leisure & Community if you want to hold it on council land.  You may also require an event licence for the sale of alcohol or live entertainment.  Speciality events or those which more than 500 people may attend may need Safety Advisory Group input from the Council.  For further information please contact 01329 236100.

 

Borough Magazine

The Council magazine, 'Fareham Today' is published quarterly and is delivered to households throughout the Borough. For further information on this publication or other Public Relations matters please contact the Public Relations Team in the Chief Executive's Office, tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail publicity@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Bottle Banks

The bottle banks across the borough have now been changed.  For further information on glass recycling contact 01329 236100, or email: customerservices@fareham.gov.uk

 

Boundary Disputes

The Council does not have any information on the boundaries of properties other than for land it owns itself. If you are having problems with a boundary dispute you can make an enquiry of the Land Registry (this is an external hyperlink ) or may need the advice of your own solicitor. The Fareham area is dealt with by Weymouth District Land Registry and they can be contacted on tel: 01305 363636.

 

Bowling Greens

Further information on Bowling Greens is available from the Sports Development Officer in the Department of Customer Services, Leisure & Community Division on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail parks@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Box Office, Ferneham Hall

The Booking Office at Ferneham Hall (part of the Department of Customer Services, Leisure & Community Division, and Street Scene Services) can be contacted on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail boxoffice@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Breakfast Clubs/After School Clubs

Out of school services (this is an external hyperlink) are for school-age children to play and learn and have fun in groups.  A number of after school clubs and breakfast clubs operate in the Fareham area.

 

Building Control/Regulations

Building control (this is an external hyperlink) applies technical standards and regulations required by Government for new buildings, dealing with fire resistance, structural stability and energy conservation. It checks the technical design and construction of new buildings. Further information can be obtained from the Building Control Partnership.  Please telephone 01329 824823 or email bcpartnership@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Bulky Waste

Fareham Borough Council provides a chargeable service for the collection of bulky household items such as old furniture and large household appliances.  For further information please contact the Customer Service Centre on 01329 236100 or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk

 

Burglar Alarms

Environmental Health Officers often receive complaints of noise associated with the persistent ringing of audible intruder alarms installed at domestic premises.  Should you have any queries regarding noise from intruder alarms, please do not hesitate to contact the Environmental Health Division on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail regulatory@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Burials

These are arranged through an undertaker in liaison with the Parks and Cemeteries Officer for all religious denominations in various cemeteries around the borough.  Should you require any further information on burials or cemeteries in Fareham, please contact Customer Services, tel: 01329 236100 e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk.

Should you have an emergency to report outside these hours, please contact Fareham Borough Council's Out of Hours Service on Tel: 0800 374485.

 

Business Advice/Support

Business Information, advice and support within Fareham, includes planning information, licensing infomation, refuse collection and business rates together with how to access Fareham's business database. For further information e-mail economic.development@fareham.gov.uk

 

Business Continuity Management

For information on Business Continuity Management please phone the Department of Regulatory Services, Environmental Health Division on 01329 236100 or e-mail regulatory@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Business - Procurement & Tender Opportunities

The procurement of goods and services is delegated among budget holders within the Council. Information and advice about the procurement process and how to do business with the Council  is available. Enquiries can be e-mailed to procurement@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Business - Doing Business with the Council

Information and advice on the Council's Procurement Process is available to our business partners and other interested parties. Enquiries can be emailed to procurement@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Business - Starting your own Business?

Information, advice and support on starting your own business within Fareham, including planning information, licensing infomation, refuse collection and business rates along with how to get on Fareham's business database. For further information or if you would like someone to contact you, please e-mail economic.development@fareham.gov.uk

 

Business Database

The Fareham Business Database is a comprehensive compilation of details of all known firms within the Borough.  For further information contact the Economic Development Manager in the Department of Planning and Transportation on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail economic.development@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Business Development Support

For information on support for business development please contact the Economic Development Manager in the Department of Planning and Transportation on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail economic.development@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Business Directory

The Fareham Business Directory is now available online. For further information contact the Economic Development Manager in the Department of Planning and Transportation on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail economic.development@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Business Newsletter

Fareham Borough Council's Business Newsletter, Protecting Fareham, covers food, health and safety, licensing and environmental protection issues.

 

Business Rates

The Council Tax section deals with the administration and collection of Business Rates. For further information on Business Rates please contact the Council Tax Manager in the Department of Finance & Resources on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail businessrates@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Bus Passes

The Council's Concessionary Fare Scheme covers both the issue of Bus Passes and Travel Tokens. For more information on Concessionary Travel, or to find out if you are eligible, please contact the Concessionary Fares Officer in the Department of Finance & Resources on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail travelconcessions@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Bus Rapid Transport Scheme

After the Government's decision in 2006 not to fund the proposed Portsmouth - Fareham tram scheme, a multi-million pound Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) initiative is now being developed for South East Hampshire. The scheme is being developed by Transport for South Hampshire (this is an external hyperlink), in conjunction with Fareham and Gosport Borough Councils and local bus operators in South Hampshire. The scheme would build upon work already done in preparation for the cancelled light rail scheme.

 

Bus Stop (To report a problem)

To report a damaged or vandalised bus stop contact the Assistant Engineer in the Department of Planning and Transportation on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail engineering.transportation@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Bus Travel

The Journey Planner has links to the local bus companies, dial-a-ride information for disabled or elderly bus users and a bus routes map.  Timetables or specific company journey planners are also accessible.

 

Byelaws

There are a number of local byelaws in force, within the Borough of Fareham.  The original byelaw is available for inspection by visiting Legal Services, Floor 7, Civic Offices, Civic Way, Fareham, PO16 7AZ.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is causing my (campylobacter enteritis) illness?
Your illness has been caused by bacteria or germs called campylobacter and is a form of food poisoning. These bacteria were identified by tests in the faecal specimen submitted to your GP - after the bacteria gradually passes through your intestines and are eventually excreted in the faeces.

Why is the Environmental Health Department involved?
Any type of food poisoning is a notifiable disease. Your GP has a duty to report cases of notifiable disease to the Environmental Health Department of the local Council for investigation.



There are three reasons for investigation by the Environmental Health Department:

To prevent further spread of the disease in the community.
To take appropriate precautions should people working in the food trade be involved.
To try and establish where a patient picked up the disease.

Where did I pick up the bacteria?
Some animals harbour this germ in their intestines for example, poultry, cattle and domestic pets that are unwell.



People can pick up the bacteria by eating raw or undercooked meat or unpasteurised milk. People have also been known to become infected by handling animals including pets with diarrhoea.



By looking back over what and where you ate over the last week, it may be possible to pinpoint a possible source.

What are the symptoms of campylobacter enteritis?
Symptoms normally start between two and five days after picking up the bacteria but it can be longer - up to eleven days.



Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhoea which may last for one to three days and a fever.

Can I pass camplylobacter enteritis on to other people?
All forms of diarrhoea and vomiting should be regarded as infectious, but usually it is only passed on to other people if personal hygiene is poor.



It is therefore advisable to stay away from school, work etc, until all the symptoms have cleared up.

How do I prevent spreading the campylobacter enteritis bacteria to my family and friends?
The key to this is good personal hygiene.

Wash your hands frequently throughout the day particularly:-

after using the toilet
before you prepare and serve food

Thorough hand washing with soap and hot water and drying is the most important factor in preventing spread of infection.

Do not share towels.

Ensure that the toilet is flushed after each use.

The toilet seat, flush handle, wash hand basin and taps should be cleaned daily or more frequently depending on how often they are used. After use, the toilet seat should be wiped with a diluted disinfectant.

Any soiled or dirty clothing or bed linen should be washed in a domestic washing machine on a hot wash cycle.

How many people are injured by fireworks each year?
In recent years approximately 1,000 people per year have required treatment at hospital casualty departments, with 5% of these being classed as "serious accidents" requiring a stay of one or more nights in hospital. With the new regulations it is hoped that this level of injuries will be reduced.

What does Conservation mean?
The word ''conservation'' can be applied to both the built and the natural environment. If you are unsure who you need to talk to please tell the telephonist whether your enquiry relates to buildings or nature conservation tel: 01329 236100. Information is also available on buildings conservation.

What can be done to improve an area for wildlife?
Contact the Fareham Countryside Service tel: 01329 236100 for advice on conservation or on practical conservation. They will be able to give you advice on management and planting schemes to achieve this aim.

How do I become a Fareham Conservation Volunteer?
Contact the Fareham Countryside Service tel:01329 236100. They can also send you a free volunteer newsletter listing all the conservation tasks. Then pick a task you like the sound of and just turn up. Its that simple.

How do I get into nature conservation work?
Nature conservation work is a very competitive area with a limited number of jobs available. You will need to be very determined to succeed. The following is a typical route into a career in this field:

first do some voluntary work to make sure you enjoy this type of work
if you like what you find, do a relevant college course for example, Countryside Management or Ecology
then do some more voluntary work to obtain relevant work experience
finally, apply for jobs and persevere

What do the Planning Enforcement team do?
The team investigates allegations of breaches of planning control including:

unauthorised development, or uses;
unauthorised works to a listed building - both internal and external works;
unauthorised display of advertisements;
non-compliance with conditions of planning permissions; and,
untidy sites where these are considered detrimental to local amenity
unauthorised work to trees which are protected or are located in conservation areas
N.B Works to trees which are protected or are located in conservation areas without the consent of the local planning authority is an offence.

What is the extent of planning controls?
Planning controls relate to any development. The definition of ''development'' for the purposes of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is considered to include "carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operation in on or under land or the making of a material change of use of any building or other land".



(N.B all mining and waste planning issues are dealt with by the County Council).

Do you require planning permission for all development?
No, many minor developments are exempt from the need for planning permission by the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. You should always contact the local planning authority to find out if you need planning permission before commencing any development

Is it an offence to undertake development without permission?
No, under the Act it is not considered to be an offence to fail to comply with planning controls, although you are advised to contact the local planning authority prior to carrying out works which might require approval. Should a local planning authority consider it expedient to issue an enforcement notice against a development which is unauthorised then non-compliance with this notice is an offence, for which the maximum fine is £20,000.

What happens if a condition on a planning permission is not complied with?
The local planning authority has the power to issue a breach of condition notice against which there is no right of appeal. It is an offence not to comply with such a notice. This offence maybe prosecuted in the magistrates court with a maximum fine of £1,000.

Is it an offence to undertake works to a listed building?
Yes, if these works are considered to affect the character and integrity of the building.

Is it an offence to display an advertisement without consent
Some advertisements are exempt from the need for express advertisement consent. Advertisements which do not require consent are those which enjoy deemed consent under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Adverts) Regulations 1992. Booklets and advice can be obtained from the Local Planning Authority.

What information is required for an alleged breach to be investigated?
Address of land or building where breach alleged
Details of alleged breach
Complainant contact name and address and telephone number.
Any additional relevant information/other interested parties

How do I report an alleged breach?
by completing and submitting a Complaint Form which can be found on this page on the website. http://www.fareham.gov.uk/council/departments/devcontrol/complaint.asp. Please note that you will be required to provide your name, address and telephone number for any complaint to be investigated. Your details will be kept confidential. Complaints can also be made in writing to the address shown below.

Department of Development Control
Fareham Borough Council
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Fareham
PO16 7TT

What are the stages of an investigation?
Complaint registered and acknowledged - 4 days
First site visit made - 10 days
Complainant will be kept informed of progress with investigations.

What action may be taken where a breach of planning controls is found to be occurring?
Once a complaint has been investigated and a breach identified, depending on the severity of the breach a number of things may happen:

negotiate a satisfactory solution
seek a retrospective planning application
if no application is forthcoming or the breach is serious then an enforcement notice may be issued
In the case where significant harm is being caused by the breach it may be appropriate to issue a stop notice in conjunction with an enforcement notice or seek a legal injunction to stop the unauthorised activities.



It is important to note that the enforcement of Planning Control is a discretionary power and in some circumstances it may not be expedient to take action

Is there a right of appeal?
On an enforcement notice, listed building enforcement notice and an advert discontinuance notice, there is a right of appeal. The appeal is made to the Planning Inspectorate.

Is there a period after which development becomes immune from enforcement action?
Yes, The period within which planning enforcement action can be taken is limited to:

4 years for operational development and change of use to any building for use as a single dwelling house
10 years for all other changes of use and breaches of conditions
If you wish to confirm that development is immune from planning enforcement action, you are advised to make an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness.

Is there a period after which development becomes immune from enforcement action?
Yes, The period within which planning enforcement action can be taken is limited to:

4 years for operational development and change of use to any building for use as a single dwelling house
10 years for all other changes of use and breaches of conditions
If you wish to confirm that development is immune from planning enforcement action, you are advised to make an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness.

What is a statutory nuisance?
To be a statutory nuisance something must be either prejudicial to health or a nuisance in common law terms. Nuisance can broadly be defined as something that affects somebody''s use and enjoyment of their home and property.


Noise is the most frequently complained of nuisance issue. We can deal with both domestic and commercial sources and have equipment to both measure and record noise if necessary.

What things are classified as statutory nuisances?
Issues controlled using statutory nuisance law include:-


• Noise
• Premises
• Smoke
• Light (from badly adjusted floodlights, for example)
• Fumes and gases (applies to domestic premises only)
• Smell (commercial premises only)
• Dust and steam (commercial premises only)
• Accumulations
• Animals
• Insects (from relevant industrial, trade or business premises)

What things are not classified as statutory nuisances?
Nuisance is a very property based issue so that for example, an issue that disturbed you whilst walking on a public footpath, could not be a statutory nuisance to you.


Other issues that are not classified as statutory nuisances include:-

Aircraft noise
Domestic odours (like cooking smells)
Normal road noise.

In such cases, whilst we will not be able to take formal action we may be able to give you advice or suggest your best course of action.

External link to information on Preparing for Emergencies .|. The official Government website for citizens .|. The official Government website for business .|. External link to Get Safe Online website .|.

How to get here

Fareham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Civic Way, Fareham, PO16 7AZ

Tel: +44 (0)1329 236100 | Mobile Text/Photo: 07876 131415 | Fax: +44 (0)1329 821770