Frequently Asked Questions

A to Z of Services - E

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Economic Development

For information on the Economic Development Strategy contact the Economic Development Manager in the Department of Planning and Transportation on tel: 01329 8236100 or e-mail economic.development@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Education

Hampshire County Council is the Local Education Authority (this is an external hyperlink) for the Fareham area.  Within the Fareham borough there are over 40 schools from primary and junior to secondary, community and special schools - see a map of schools within the borough. School term dates and details of local breakfast clubs and after school clubs are available online.  There are also various opportunities for adult education in Fareham.

 

e-Government

Fareham Borough Council is committed to improving service delivery for the residents, businesses and communities in the borough of Fareham. The council's E-Governance Strategy and the IEG Statement, which are submitted to the DTLR (Department of Transport and Local Government Regions), sets out how Fareham Borough Council plans to fulfil its commitment to meeting e-Government's programme.

Further information is available from the Head of Business Transformation in the Chief Executive's Office on telephone 01329 236100 or e-mail webmaster@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Elderly People

There is  information, support and advice for elderly people, including information on retirement, adult education, sheltered housing, social service and assistance with garden maintenance and internal decoration. Alternatively, please e-mail community@fareham.gov.uk

 

Elections

Election of councillors to Fareham Borough Council or to the Hampshire County Council are generally held on the first Thursday of May in any year. For details of the next elections to be held please see Election Services. The Elections Office also organises elections to the UK Parliament and the European Parliament for the Fareham constituency. For further details please contact the Election Services Officer in the Department of Finance & Resources on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail electionservices@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Electoral Registration

Registration as an elector in the borough is required by law, although there are some restrictions on who may register as an elector. Recent changes in the law enable residents to register when they move house and an annual canvass in the autumn will also be undertaken to check that the Register of Electors is up to date. If you have moved house and are eligible, you can register now by selecting voter registration form. Please print this form out and fill it on, sign and return it either by post or in person to Election Services, Fareham Borough Council, PO Box 13, Civic Offices, Civic Way, Fareham, PO16 7AZ.  

Special arrangements exist for the registration of homeless persons, remand prisoners and mental health patients; for further details contact the Elections Office - tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail electionservices@fareham.gov.uk - for an application form.

 

E-mail Us

You can contact Fareham Borough Council on one main e-mail address - contact the Customer Service Centre at customerservices@fareham.gov.uk.

Comments about this website, including any technical difficulties you are experiencing, should be directed to the Webmaster by sending an e-mail to webmaster@fareham.gov.uk.

You can find the councillors' e-mail addresses on the councillor's web pages.  If you're not sure which electoral ward you live in or who your councillor is, please see our electoral ward finder and electoral ward map.

 

Emergency Help

If you need emergency, out of hours help, the out of hours emergency number is:Tel: 0800 374485.  Alternatively you can access our information on emergency contacts which provides contact details for the public services, health services and non-emergency health authority establishments within the borough.

 

Employment

We advertise our job vacancies on our website.  Current vacancies are published online every Thursday afternoon and also in the local press.  If you would like more details of job vacancies within Fareham Borough Council, please contact the Clerical Assistant in the Personnel Section of the Chief Executive's Office on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail jobs@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Energy Performance Certificates

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is now required for all homes whenever built, rented or sold.  For further information please visit the following website www.communities.gov.uk (this is an external hyperlink).

 

Enforcement (Planning)

Contact Regulatory Services: Development Control to raise complaints of breaches of planning control.  You will need to give us your name and address, which we will treat in confidence.  Telephone 01329 236100, e-mail planningenforcement@fareham.gov.uk or send a fax to 01329 821500.

A range of frequently asked questions on planning enforcement have been compiled which may answer your queries.

 

Enforcement Team (Litter, Fly Tipping)

For information on the enforcement team please contact the Department of Regulatory Services, Environmental Health Division on 01329 236100, or e-mail regulatory@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Environment (General)

The Environment Group in the Department of Planning and Transportation carries out the Council's annual programme of Environmental Improvement projects and undertakes work on nature conservation and biodiversity.  Advice is available on listed buildings, conservation areas, historic building grants, trees, and countryside matters.  Please contact the Conservation Manager in the Department of Planning & Transportation on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail conservation@fareham.gov.uk.

Fareham Borough Landscape Assessment  was adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance in May 1996 and describes the diversity or urban and rural character in the Borough.  For further information, please contact the Landscape Architect within the Department of Planning & Transportation on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail conservation@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Environmental Health

The Environmental Health Division within the Department of Regulatory Services covers a range of health issues. Please look under the specific subject heading for more help but if you cannot find what you are looking for please make a general enquiry on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail regulatory@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Environmental Improvements

The council allocates funds every year for Environmental Improvement projects around the borough. If you have any queries about Environmental Improvements, please contact Fareham Borough Council's Landscape Architect on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail conservation@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Equality and Inclusion

For further information on equality and inclusion, please contact the Policy and Performance team by e-mailing performancereview@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Estate Management/Tenancy

Tenancy Services covers Sheltered Housing, Tenancy Management and Estate Management .

Enquires relating to Tenancy and Estate matters should be directed to an Area Housing Estates Officer, who can be contacted on 01329 236100 or e-mail housing@fareham.gov.uk or call into Civic Offices and ask to see the duty officer.

 

Estates (Land and Property)

The council owns the freehold of various commercial properties in the borough.  Occasionally properties become available and, as vacancies arise, details of commercial property to lease will be provided on the website. For more details visit www.harbour-forum.co.uk (this is an external hyperlink) or contact the Customer Service Centre on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail: customerservices@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Events (Booking of)

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.

 

Expenses/Allowances - Members

Information on the Members' Allowance scheme and payments to members can be found on this web-site.   

 

Extension Design Guide

Home extensions can improve living conditions by making more space available and enable occupiers to adapt accommodation as family circumstances change. Well designed extensions may also add to property value.  For further information contact the Department of  Regulatory Services, Department of Regulatory Services, Planning Development Control Division  on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail devcontrol@fareham.gov.uk.

 

External Funding

For information on external funding please contact the Head of Strategic Finance in the Department of Finance & Resources on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail externalfunding@fareham.gov.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a conservation area?
A conservation area is described in law as: ''an area of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance''



Many historic towns and villages have a special character which results from a gradual process of growth and development.



The layout of buildings, roads, paths, trees and open spaces that are essential to their character have often evolved over hundreds of years.



The local materials and traditional techniques that were used in the construction of historic buildings result in a local distinctiveness and individuality which contributes to this special character.

Is my property in a conservation area?
Detailed maps of each conservation area are on display in the Civic Offices. You are welcome to visit the offices and view the maps or to telephone to speak to a planning officer within normal office hours.

What restrictions apply to a building in a conservation area?
Planning permission is sometimes required for alterations to properties because they lie within a conservation area. You are welcome to visit the offices or to speak to a planning officer concerning whether your particular proposal will require an application to be made. Remember that ''Conservation Area Consent'' is sometimes required for demolition works within a conservation area.

Is my building listed?
A copy of the Statutory List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Interest is held in the Planning Office at the Civic Offices. You are welcome to visit the offices and view the list or to telephone with any questions relating to your building within normal office hours. A building that lies within the curtilage of, or is attached to a listed building can also be a listed. Deciding which buildings are listed for this reason is not always straightforward. If you are in doubt as to whether your building may fall into this category you should contact a Planning Officer who can advise you further.



Remember that a listed building can include structures other than buildings such as walls and gate pillars.

How old is my listed building?
The statutory List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Interest does contain detailed information concerning the age of some buildings although in most instances gives just a broad indication of the date of construction (eg, late 18th Century). The council does have additional information on some of the more important listed buildings in the borough and copies of old maps. If you are interested in researching your property or finding out more about the history of your local area these are some good starting places for material and advice;



Westbury Manor Museum -West Street, Fareham, Hants

Tel: 01329 824895 - Westbury Manor Museum Website (this is an external hyperlink)



Hampshire Record Office - Sussex Street, Winchester, Hants, SO23 8TH

Tel: 01962 846154 - Hampshire Record Office Website (this is an external hyperlink)



Fareham Library Fareham Hampshire

Tel: 01329 282715 - Fareham Library Website (this is an external hyperlink)

What is a listed building?
A listed building is a building of special architectural or historic interest included in a list approved by the Secretary of State. A copy of the list for Fareham can be seen at the Department of Planning and Development. The term ''listed building'' includes:

both the interior and exterior of a building whatever the grade
any objects or structures fixed to the building
Structures within the boundaries of the property, such as boundary walls, outbuildings, gates, lamp posts and even garden statues which, although not fixed to the building, form part of the land and have done so since before 1st July 1948.

What is the Local List?
Many buildings have local architectural or historic interest or a local historical association but are not of sufficient merit to justify inclusion on the statutory list. The planning department keeps a list of locally important buildings and has drafted policies for their protection in the Fareham Borough Local Plan Review. Locally listed buildings do not enjoy the protection of statutory listing but the council will encourage their retention and continued use provided development proposals do not harm their character or setting.

Which buildings are listed?
Britain has a wide variety of historic houses, churches, agricultural, industrial and commercial buildings which contribute to the historic character of many of our cities, towns and villages. The need to preserve them is recognized in the statutory listing process.



The ''Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest'' is compiled by the Department for Culture Media and Sport with the guidance of English Heritage and is approved by the Secretary of State. The list contains many different types of building which can be listed because of their age, rarity, architectural merit or owing to their method of construction. Interesting groups of buildings may also be listed. Occasionally a building can be listed because it has a close historical association with either a particular person or an important event.

What do the different grades mean?
Buildings on the list are graded to show their relative architectural or historic interest.

Grade I are of exceptional interest
Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest
Grade II are of special interest warranting every effort to preserve them
Grades I and II* represent approximately 6% of listed buildings nationally.

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

How much will the parking permit cost?
£13.00 for any month period of £40 per annum. (Free for applicants who are disabled and holders of an blue badge.)

How many parking permits can I purchase?
2 Annuals or 1 Quarterly.

What if I decide not to purchase a permit but change my mind later?
A permit may be purchased at any time when the office is open to issue them. However please be advised that at least 7 days notice is required for processing an application. At the beginning of the month and They are valid for either is valid for either three months or one year. Please note that for new permits you will need to provide copies of the following documentation when you apply:

- Registration Document

- Recent Household Bill (date within the last 3 months)

- Drivers Licence or Passport

Where can I park if I purchase a permit?
Anywhere on the lengths of road or scheme designed for residents'' parking as stated on the permit.

Can my friend or visitors use my permit?
No. The permit will show your name, address and car registration number.

During what hours will the Residents'' Parking Scheme operate?
Please refer to the signs relating to each residents parking scheme as hours may vary.

Who enforces the Residents'' Parking Scheme?
Civil Enforcement Officers.

What happens if I move house and have purchased a Permit?
You may be entitled to a refund only on full months calculated at the Quarterly Rate from the date the request was received at the Parking Services Department

How can I find out more about the scheme?
For current resident permit schemes please contact parkingservices@fareham.gov.uk or call 01329 236100. For enquiries requesting new resident parking schemes please contact engineering.transportation@fareham.gov.uk or call 01329 236100.

Can I complete an application form for a Permit?


A Residents Permit Application Form (36Kb) for a Permit is available, alternatively please contact parkingservices@fareham.gov.uk or call 01329 236100.

What is a Travel Plan?
A travel plan is typically a package of practical measures to encourage staff to choose alternatives to the car. Employers are encouraged to develop travel plans, aimed at reducing car use for travel to work and for travel for business.



Apart from the intended benefits for the environment a travel plan offers benefits to the organisation, its employees and the local community. It may help to relieve an on-site parking or congestion problem, or it may help to improve public transport services where there was previously a deficiency. In turn it may relieve stress on employees by improving their health by walking or cycling, or through the opportunity to reduce the amount they travel, perhaps by working at home.



A plan should be site specific and include a range of measures which will make a positive impact at that site, e.g. setting up a car sharing scheme, providing cycling facilities, negotiating improved bus services, offering attractive flexible-working practices. The concept is to make the alternatives more feasible and more attractive to employees.



A travel plan will have clear objectives and a set of targets, which can be measured and monitored in order that the organisation can measure how effective the plan is.



An effective travel plan is one which is supported by senior management who recognise the added value of bringing together key parts of the organisation internally (for example, building managers, fleet managers, personnel managers, business managers). In addition, working with the local authority and local transport operators is important if effective changes are to be made. Finally, teaming up with neighbouring organisations will give value to many of the measures introduced in your plan.



A travel plan need not cost your organisation lots of money and it may help to save money while helping to improve the environment. Travel plans will help to address wider problems of social exclusion and crime and safety, at the same time as reducing the costs to society caused by delays and congestion and poor health.

Is it compulsory to have a travel plan?
It is not usually compulsory to have a travel plan these are usually voluntary but having a travel plan will bring many additional benefits.

Businesses that are developing new sites, changing or expanding a current site may need to produce a Travel Plan in order to comply with planning guidelines PPG13 or section 106.

How can a travel plan help me as an employer?
Reduce demand for on-site parking
Improve recruitment and retention
Improve efficiency - less time wasted on late arrivals / deliveries
Reduce business mileage
Reduce fleet management costs
Reduce sickness rates - walkers and cyclists will be healthier
Help you to gain environmental accreditation ISO14001 or EMAS
Improve environmental image

What can I do as a employer?
As an employer you have a role to play by introducing and encouraging measures to your staff.

Some suggestions are:

Providing information about local public transport to staff and visitors
Offer cheap or interest free loans for public transport season tickets
Loans for cycle purchase
Encouraging car share for commuting and business journeys
Designate the ''best'' car park spaces for regular car sharers
Provide secure, covered cycle parking and, if possible, lockers and showers/changing facilities
Manage business mileage to reduce time and distance driven
Offer incentive to use rail rather than a car for appropriate business journeys
Provide up-to-date information on non-car travel in a manner and at location(s) convenient to your staff
Offer Teleworking / Homeworking
Provide pool cars
Upgrade your fleet to alternative fuel vehicles when next up for renewal
Offer onsite facilities - creche, leisure, snack bar, dry cleaning service

Why should I consider a Travel Plan?
Transport problems in the UK have an effect on everyone:

Increasing numbers of vehicles on our roads add to congestion and pollution
Congestion causes delays to traffic - causing late deliveries and staff
Increasing emissions contribute to global warming
Reliance on the car and reduced levels of activity has lead to poor health and obesity
Communities have become noisier and busier
More traffic means greater risk of road casualties

Where do I start?
Before you start implementing any measures you need to:

Engage senior management support
Allocate staff time to work on the Travel Plan
Survey your staff, your site and your business
Involve your staff along the way
Identify objectives, targets and measures
Raise awareness
Only then will you be able to launch your Travel Plan. Once launched someone will need to be responsible for its ongoing promotion and a point of contact.

Where can I get help with my Travel Plan?
It may seem a daunting task to set up a Travel Plan but remember that you are not alone.

The local authority has a Travel Plan Officer who will be able to offer you advice and guidance. Contact the Design and Transportation manager on travelplan@fareham.gov.uk.

Free help is available from the Environment and Energy Helpline on 0800 585794 or www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/travelplans (this is an external hyperlink).

This is site specific advice, a free government funded service, to help you develop an effective travel plan for your business, school or organisation. You can get up to five days free advice to help you overcome the problems you face in getting your travel plan up and running.

How much will it cost me to set up a Travel Plan?
It is difficult to say how much it will cost, but many of the measures that you implement will eventually help you make savings.

One widely used example is that of the cost of car parking spaces. The total cost of maintaining and or renting a car parking space could be anything between £30 and £3000. Car parking spaces that are no longer required due to an effective travel plan could then be put to a more profitable use.

More effective use of staff time, more effective fleet management, policies on business mileage could produce significant cost savings for your business.

Income from car parking charges could be used for related use - a Travel Plan Co-ordinators''s salary, a workbus, cycle parking.

Can I stop thinking about the Travel Plan once I have finished it?
No a travel plan is a living thing, your organisation will need to review it regularly in order to keep on making improvements and to ensure that you are meeting the targets that you have set yourself.

You may find that some of the measures you have taken may not have the expected results and you need to find alternatives. On the other hand your situation may change or your organisation may have noted areas for improvements.

You may be so successful that you may wish to set yourself higher targets. You will constantly need to market your Travel Plan in order to remind current staff and inform new employees.

What is the business case for a Travel Plan?
A Travel Plan may be seen to be simply an environmental tool but it is likely to have wider benefits.

There may be cost savings from new working practices (flexible hours, 9 day fortnights, teleworking, homeworking), or business travel guidelines. An effective travel plan will help to meet existing requirements for example environmental management, quality assurance. A Travel Plan could be a co-ordinating business tool - looking for savings across the company rather than separate cost centres.

My organisation is too small to have a Travel Plan - is this a problem?
No organisation is too small to make simple changes eg. the provision of cycle parking, changing facilities, and most basic off all the availability of public transport information.

On a larger scale joining with others, your neighbours or the local business park, will help you to deal with your site problems.

How can a Travel Plan help me as an individual?
Travelling to and from work other than as a driver can reduce stress
Walking (from the bus stop, train station, home) or cycling to work can improve your levels of fitness, health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Car sharing or buying season tickets can save you money
Using the train or bus gives you extra thinking / meeting time, and can be less stressful than driving
Travelling in with others could help you to meet your work colleagues

Where do I get information about public transport?
There is a great amount of information available via the internet, telephone lines and local bus and cycle route maps.

Where do I get information about public transport?
There is a great amount of information available via the internet, telephone lines and local bus and cycle route maps.

Are travel plans anti-car
Travel Plans are not anti-car, they emphasise the travel choices that are available and offer practical measures on how to make them more attractive to everyone. There will be a number of instances when it is more practicable to use a car.

In areas where car ownership is low it is important that alternatives to the car are widely available, in order to assist the local economy, make employment opportunities available, and combat social exclusion for example.

What if I need my car for work?
In this instance you may consider the following:

Planning meetings and journey so that you do not need to use the car everyday
Converting to an alternative fuel vehicle
Combining your trips where possible so that you plan visits to sites or clients on one morning or day
When purchasing a new car consider buying a car with a smaller size engine
For shorter journeys replace the car with the bus, walk or cycle
Share with other people who are already travelling

Can I buy a season ticket?
Annual and quarterly season tickets are available for long stay car parks only. Please complete and send the Season Ticket Application Form (222 Kb) to the Parking Services Department.

Where can I park if I am a disabled badge holder?
There are a large number of conveniently situated bays reserved for disabled badge holders, throughout the town. Blue Badge holders can park free in all pay and display car parks, only if the Blue Badge is clearly displayed in the parked vehicle, with the expiry date facing upwards. The exceptions are the Pay on Foot car parks, where Blue Badge holders are required to pay. Blue Badge holders who are Borough residents can apply to the Council for a swipe card allowing free entry and exit to the Pay on Foot car parks.

Where can I park my motorbike?
Solo motorcycles may park free of charge in any of the areas within the car parks specifically marked for motorcycle use. If there is no are specifically marked for motorcycles (sometimes indicated by m/c) then you may park in other marked bays that are not otherwise restricted, for example you could not park in a Disabled Bay.

Why do I have to pay for parking?
You have to pay for parking in any car park in the town centre. In addition to raising income to pay for maintenance of existing and provision of new car parks, charges also ensure an adequate turnover of parking spaces for shoppers and short term visitors. If the Council did not charge, the cost of maintenance would fall on Council Tax payers and car park visitors would make no contribution.

Why don''t you pay for the car parks'' maintenance with savings you would make if you no longer needed to employ Enforcement staff?
Even if parking was free, patrolling would still be required to provide a regular supply of convenient parking spaces for shoppers. A maximum period of waiting would need to be introduced, and this, together with other regulations would still need to be enforced. Enforcement staff also act as a deterrent to crime.

Why don''t you provide change machines?
Change machines are an inviting target for theft. The very nature of the machines requires that they be full of cash at all times. No cash is left in ticket machines overnight. The Council may consider introducing a scheme for payment by cards. Change is provided in the Pay on Foot car park payment machines, Osborn Road Multi Storey Car Park and Market Quay Car Park.

Why don''t I get a refund if I pay for an hour and only stay for five minutes?
The charging structure is such that any stay up to one hour is the same charge. The Council is very aware of the competition from "out of town" shopping stores and neighbouring local authorities and these factors are borne in mind when setting the parking fees.

Why can''t I pick someone up and drop someone off in the car parks?
You can, but you must comply with the parking regulations by stopping in a marked bay and purchasing a parking ticket.



The car parks are provided for the off-street parking of vehicles. If casual setting down/picking up were to be allowed, congestion would cause delays and frustration to car park users.

Why do you insist on the ticket being stuck to the windscreen?
A ticket on the dashboard can turn over when the car door is closed. If stuck on a side window and it falls it will disappear from view. If stuck on the windscreen just above the dashboard, it will probably still be visible to the Enforcement Officer on the dashboard should it fall.



For further information on parking in Fareham Town Centre or for any other details please contact the Parking Department in the Department of Regulatory Services on tel: 01329 236100 ext: 2355 or e-mail parkingservices@fareham.gov.uk.

What is Fareham Parking Enforcement?
Since 2 April 2007 Fareham Borough Council have been responsible for enforcing traffic regulations such as limited waiting, double or single yellow lines, no stopping at bus stops. Previously the responsibility for enforcing these lay with the police and was carried out by traffic wardens.



Other regulations will remain under the jurisdiction of the police – such as moving traffic offences – one way streets, turning bans, speeding restrictions on driving, endorsable offences, parking on zigzag lines, obstruction of highways, accesses, footways.



The Fareham Parking Enforcement Service covers the management and enforcement of both on and off street parking throughout the Borough. The service is delivered in line with the Parking Enforcement Policy that sets out the main principles for enforcement associated with the delivery of this service.

What does the Parking Service consist of?
There are currently eleven Civil Enforcement Officers in the team (including one Supervisor and three Team Leaders). Civil Enforcement Officers work a shift system as enforcement takes place seven days a week; this does include evening and Bank Holiday patrols.



The members of this team will be able to issue a Penalty Charge Notice to any vehicle which contravenes a restriction.

If I receive a Penalty Charge Notice, what will the process be?
CEOs will only issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if a vehicle has contravened the regulations in place. These will be served and placed on the front windscreen of the vehicle, handed to the driver or sent through the post, for more details please see the Traffic Management Act 2004 page.



Penalty Charge Notices will be either £70 or £50 depending on the level of contravention (which would be indicated on the Notice) and must be paid within 28 days. A 50% discount will be granted if paid within 14 days.



There are several payment options, by cheque, online, on the automated telephone service, or personally at the Cash Office at the Civic Offices and these are outlined on the rear of the Penalty Charge Notice.



There is obviously a right to appeal and this must be done by completing the PCN Challenge Form, this can be sent in by post or via e-mail to parkingservices@fareham.gov.uk. This should include PCN number, full name and address and any supporting documents, for example, invoice, delivery note or copy of Blue Badge showing the serial number and expiry date. In most cases the discount period will be reset if an appeal is made within 14 days of the date of issue of the PCN.



Unresolved disputes are settled through the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. This is an independent tribunal body based in Manchester.



It is important to note a Penalty Charge is a civil debt and non-payment will be pursued by Fareham Borough Council through the County Court system. Non-payment could ultimately lead to bailiff action.

For more information on how to Appeal please see the following links: - www.patrol-uk.info (this is an external hyperlink) or www.trafficpenaltytribunal.gov.uk (this is an external hyperlink).

Does this mean that the Council will review its position on residents'' parking schemes?
Yes, but not immediately. The Council is preparing a Fareham Town Centre Parking Strategy, which will consider the opportunities for introducing residents’ parking schemes in the vicinity of the town centre, where there is a high incidence of commuter or shopper parking. Any subsequent schemes that are introduced would need to be self-financing, and be informed by the initial period of operating the new enforcement regime.

Can I park outside a school to pick up/drop off my child(ren)?
Parking outside schools should be discouraged for the safety of the children. Zig zag markings at the entrance to some schools mean drivers must not stop, even to drop off or pick up. The Civil Enforcement Officers will enforce this regulation by serving Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), either by placing the PCN on the vehicle, handing it to the driver, or sending the PCN through the post. The police can also enforce these regulations as parking outside schools is an endorsable offence, which will incur penalty points on the driving licence.

Is it possible to park on verges to keep out of the way of passing traffic?
Vehicles parking on verges and pavements are becoming an increasing problem throughout the Borough - it is contrary to the Highways Act, can often be an obstruction to other users of the highway and if there are double yellow lines it is an offence under the Road Traffic Regulation Act, resulting in the issue of a parking ticket. Parking on verges may also damage public ultilities plant in the verge or may leave unsightly or hazardous ruts. Motorists should therefore not park on verges.



Fareham Borough Council is not an enforcing authority for verge and pavement parking and reports should be made to the police non-emergency number 0845 045 4545. The Council has introduced Traffic Regulation Orders making parking on verges in certain streets in the borough an offence, as part of an on-going programme.



For more information contact: tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail: engineering.transportation@fareham.gov.uk

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.

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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