Frequently Asked Questions

A to Z of Services - L

 A  | B  | C  | D  | E  | F  | G  | H  | I  | J  | K  | L  | M  | N  | O  | P  | Q  | R  | S  | T  | U  | V  | W  | X  | Y  | Z

 

Land Charges/Searches

The Council undertakes land searches on request whenever land or property is going to be sold. Comprehensive, yet not exhaustive, 'guidelines' have been compiled on Land Charges and Searches which may answer your queries. Should you require any further information please contact the Land Charges Officer in the Department of Legal and Democratic Services on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail landsearches@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Land for Grazing

As it is rare for Council owned grazing land to become available, we do not operate a waiting list. However, if any suitable land becomes available, details will be available on the website.  Should you have any further queries or require further information please contact the Customer Service Centre on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail: customerservices@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Land and Property (non-housing)

As it is rare for commercial land or premises to become available we do not operate a waiting list. However, if opportunities arise details will be provided of any vacancies on this website. Property South East is a computerised data base of Commercial Property and Land in South Hampshire. For more details visit www.harbour-forum.co.uk (this is an external hyperlink).

For more information please contact the Customer Service Centre on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail: customerservices@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Land Drainage

For advice on problems connected with land drainage, please contact the Assistant Engineer in the Department of Planning & Transportation on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail engineering.transportation@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Landlord Assistance

Financial assistance is available to landlords where evidence can be provided that the landlord is unable to finance the necessary repairs to make a property fit for occupation. For more information please contact the Department of Customer Services, or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk or telephone 01329 236100.

 

Landlords - Council

In the unlikely event you experience trouble with your landlord, your council has some legal powers it can use to help.  For further information visit the website at direct.gov.uk (this is an external hyperlink).

 

Landlords - Private

The National Landlords Association (NLA) is the leading independent national organisation for private residential landlords (this is an external hyperlink).  To request further information on this organisation and related services email info@landlords.org.uk

 

Landscape Character Assessment

Fareham Borough Landscape Assessment was adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance in May 1996 and describes the diversity of 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.

 

Landscaping Schemes

These are implemented to improve the appearance and horticultural excellence of the borough as part of the council's Parks and Open Spaces Strategy. Further details are available from the Horticultural Development Officer in the Department of Customer Services, Leisure & Community Division on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail parks@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Leader (Executive) of the Council

The Executive Leader of the Council is Councillor Seán Woodward. His telephone number is 01489 881030, fax: 01489 881031, mobile: 07803 222845 and he is also contactable by e-mail: swoodward@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Leaseholders

If you are a Council Leaseholder, information is available.  For further information contact 01329 236100 or email customerservices@fareham.gov.uk

 

Leasing - Council Commercial Units

The Council owns the freehold of various Commercial, Industrial, Office and Retail properties in the borough.  Occasionally properties become available and as vacancies arise details will be provided on the website. Property South East is a computerised data base of Commercial Property and Land in South Hampshire.  For more details visit www.harbour-forum.co.uk (this is an external hyperlink).

For more information please contact the Customer Service Centre on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail: customerservices@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Legal Matters

The Legal department, under the direction of the Solicitor to the Council and Monitoring Officer, provides legal advice and support to the Council and its departments. It also provides the local Land Charges and Searches.  For further information, please e-mail legalservices@fareham.gov.uk

 

LetSelect

LetSelect is Fareham Borough Council’s Choice Based Lettings Scheme. This is the way social housing in Fareham is allocated to applicants on the Housing Waiting List. Further information is available from the Customer Service Centre 01329 236100 or email customerservices@fareham.gov.uk

 

Leisure Card

The Leisure Card is a membership scheme for Fareham residents offering discounts of between 5% - 50% at a variety of recreational facilities in the Borough.   More information is available from the Leisure Card Officer on tel: 01329 824894.

 

Leisure Centre

The Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool is managed by SLM in partnership with the council.  For membership or general enquiries, tel: 01329 233652 or e-mail: farehaminfo@slm-ltd.co.uk, or visit www.everyoneactive.com (this is an external hyperlink) and www.bananafitness.net (this is an external hyperlink).

 

Leisure Gardens

There are eleven allotment sites throughout the Borough offering a range of plot sizes for those interested in organic gardening and growing their own produce. Further information is available from the Parks and Cemeteries Officer in the Department of Customer Services, Leisure & Community Division on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail parks@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Licensing

General information regarding licenses and fees is available, and any enquiries should be directed to the Licensing Officer in the Department of Regulatory Services, Environmental Health Division on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail regulatory@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Light Pollution

Light pollution and nuisance is probably best described as artificial light that is allowed to illuminate, or pollute, areas not intended to be lit. If you would like further information please contact the Environmental Health Division at Fareham Borough Council, tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail us at regulatory@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Light Rapid Transit (LRT)

For up to date information on the LRT please contact the Head of Engineering & Transportation on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail engineering.transportation@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Listed Buildings

A leaflet has been prepared which contains useful information about listed buildings and is available from Planning Reception or by post.  For more information on listed buildings please contact Fareham Borough Council's Conservation Manager in the Department of Planning & Transportation on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail conservation@fareham.gov.uk.

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

 

Litter Enforcement

Fareham Borough Council has established an Enforcement Team to further improve the standard of cleanliness and appearance of the Borough. 

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

 

Local Development Framework

The government is proposing to abolish structure and local plans and replace them with the Local Development Framework. Fareham Borough Council has embarked on the preparation of a Local Development Framework.

 

Other Related Documents/Services/Strategies: Local Plan, Planning Policy and Strategy, Local Development Scheme (LDS)

 

Locality Housing Officer

The Fareham Locality Housing Officer is employed by Hampshire County Council Adult Services Department and is based in Fareham Borough Council's Strategic Housing Division.

The Locality Housing Officer’s role is to provide specialist housing advice and support for local people with care needs; to be involved with each client’s housing from the point of referral until they move into their new home, and to work closely with the Council and care managers to enable people to move towards a more independent way of life by accessing the housing most suitable for them.

 

Local News

View Fareham Borough Council's latest press releases, see what's on in Fareham and read local and national news stories all from our Latest News page.

 

Local Ombudsman

If you wish to complain about something that the council has done, or has failed to do, we strongly recommend that you make your complaint first through the council's complaints procedure (please see 'Complaints' in the A to Z). However, if you wish to have your complaint looked at independently, you can write to the Local Government Ombudsman to ask him to investigate the matter. There are limitations on the type of complaints that the Ombudsman will investigate but his office will advise on these.

The Ombudsman for Southern England is Mr J R White. He can be contacted at the Commission for Local Administration in England, The Oaks, 2 Westwood Business Park, Coventry CV4 8JB - tel: 024 7682 0000; fax: 024 7682 0001.

If you require any further details please contact the Chief Executive's Office on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail comps@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Local Plan

The Fareham Borough Local Plan Review provides a detailed framework for controlling the development and use of land. It sets out the Council's general policies relating to uses such as housing, business, and shopping as well as specific proposals for sites and areas. Together with the Hampshire County Structure Plan 1996-2011 (Review), the Local Plan Review is part of the statutory development plan for the borough; all planning applications have to be judged on their merits against the policies in the development plan. Planning policy on minerals and waste is set out in the Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton Minerals and Waste Local Plan. Further information can be obtained from the Planning Policy Team in the Department of Planning and Transportation on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail planningpolicy@fareham.gov.uk.

The Local Plan is being replaced by the Local Development Framework.

A range of frequently asked questions on the Local Plan and planning strategy have been compiled which may answer your queries.

Other related documents, services and strategies: Planning Policy and Strategy, Supplementary Planning Guidance.

 

Local Service Agreements

 

Local Strategic Partnership

Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) bring together local councils, other public sector agencies, the business sector, and the third sector – voluntary and community organisations. LSPs are non-statutory partnerships, established in each local authority area in England. Fareham's LSP is known as networkfareham (this is an external hyperlink).  For further information email networkfareham@fareham.gov.uk or tel: 01329 236100.

 

Local Transport

The local public transport page will help you find out about transport services available in and around Fareham, including links for rail, bus, ferry and air passengers and information for drivers and cyclists.

 

Locks Heath

Locks Heath is a large residential area which extends from Warsash to Titchfield.  For further information on the history of Locksheath, visit the Locksheath history website (this is an external hyperlink).

 

Lost/Found Cats

If you have lost your cat and you fear it may have been run over, it is worth checking with our Street Cleansing team to see whether it has been picked up.  If it is micro-chipped we will contact you as long as the details are current.  Contact Street Scene Services in the Refuse and Cleansing Section of the Department of Customer Services on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk

 

Lost/Found Dogs

If you have lost your dog you may be able to find it on the found dog register. Sometimes dogs are missing for a long period of time and on many of these occasions dogs are successfully rehomed. For more information please contact the Dog Control Officer tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail regulatory@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Low Cost Home Ownership

If you are looking for a place to live in Fareham but can't afford to buy a home of your own, the HomesinHants (this is an external hyperlink) team might be able to help you access a range of Government funded initiatives, which are designed to help local people onto the property ladder and is referred to as HomeBuy.  There are also homes to rent on occasions and a number of schemes are aimed at key workers such as teachers, health workers and other essential public services.

This service is managed by Swaythling Housing Society (this is an external hyperlink), the Government appointed 'HomeBuy Agent' who have been invited to provide a one-stop-shop in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.  Nominations to the shared ownership properties being delivered through the Council’s Affordable Housing Programme are made through HomesinHants. For further information please contact HomesinHants Customer Services: 023 8062 8004 or e-mail: info@homesinhants.org.uk.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Can I take soil and groundwater samples myself?
It is not recommended. Firstly it may expose you and others to health risks. Secondly the Government requires that this work is undertaken by a qualified person who has knowledge, experience and is competent in undertaking such work. Just a few of the issues relating to sampling have been listed below.



Do I need any personal protective equipment?
Where should sample(s) be taken from?
What type of samples should be taken?
At what depth should sample(s) be taken from?
How many samples are required?
How will samples be labelled to avoid mixing?
Should the sample be taken from boreholes/ trial pits/ window sampler holes/ surface samples?
What type of sample container should be used?
How should the samples be stored and transported?
What quantity of sample is required?
Should the sample be disturbed or undisturbed?
How much sample should be placed in the container?
How can I avoid cross contamination?
Which laboratory should the samples be taken to?
Is the laboratory MCERTS (monitoring certification scheme) accredited for the analysis being carried out?
What type of analysis is required?
If monitoring is required should this be from an installation, if so what type, at what depth(s), over how long a period, at what frequency, should sampling be carried out in field or at the lab?
When can the lab accept the sample?
When can the lab do the analysis?
How do the samples relate to the conceptual model?
Will statistical manipulation of data be required?

Do I need planning permission?
If you need the Council''s advice on whether you need planning permission, print off and complete one of the three forms appropriate for your proposal and forward it to us. Email us on planningadvice@fareham.gov.uk, telephone 01329 236100, send a facsimile to 01329 821500 or send the details by post and we will advise you if you need Building Regulations Consent or planning permission.

How much will my planning application cost?
There is a list of planning fees on our website. You will be able to work out the fee for your planning application using this.

How long does it take to make a decision on my planning application?
The Council makes a decision on most planning applications within eight weeks. You may make an appeal to Government if we have not sent you the decision within the expiry date in our letter acknowledging your application (usually eight weeks from receipt, but thirteen weeks for some major applications).

Can I view planning applications?
You can see the details of current and recent planning applications together with documents and decision notices at the online planning page.

What are your opening hours if I need to speak to a planning officer?
The Council offices are open on Monday to Friday between 08.45 and 17.15 (16.45 on Friday). A duty planning officer is available to answer questions from telephone callers and visitors between 09.00 and 13.00. If you have a question that needs research, you should print off and submit details on the planning advice enquiry forms on our website.

Will you investigate development my neighbour is carrying out? will you tell my neighbour I complained about them?
Complaints of breaches of planning control (e.g.: building work or new uses of land in the absence of necessary plannning permission or not as shown on the planning permission, ignoring conditions of planning permission) are dealt with by the Planning Enforcement Team. You will need to give us your name and contact details as we will not take action on anonymous complaints; however, we will treat your complaint in confidence.

Why do I need planning permission when many people have built similar things without encountering problems?
Planning permission may not be needed in every case. Some works are not counted as develoment (e.g.: general painting and decorating); other carefully defined kinds of development, particularly for works to dwellinghouses or in their gardens, are granted general permission by the government so they don''t need a specific planning permission. (NB: These entitlements may be withdrawn by planning condition of earlier planning permissions or by a direction for specific classes of development in specific areas:- Articles 3 and 4 of the Town and Country Planning General Development Procedure Order 1995). If your development does not fall into those categories, you will need to apply for planning permission.

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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