Frequently Asked Questions

 

A to Z of Services - M

 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

• Magazine
• Maintenance (Housing)
• Major Incident
• Maps
• Market Quay Development
• Marketing
• Markets
• Mayoralty
• Media
• Meetings - Council & Committee
• Members' Allowances/Expenses
• Members' Code of Conduct
• Members of the Council
• Members of Parliament
• Members of European Parliament
• Memorial Benches
• Memorial Inspections
• Micro-chipping - Dogs
• Millennium Project - Henry Cort
• Missed Bins
• Mobile Phones
• Moorings
• Moving Home 
• Museum - Westbury Manor
• Mutual Exchange Register

 

 

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 or e-mail publicity@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Maintenance (Housing)

Fareham Borough Council tenants reporting internal/external maintenance problems with their properties should contact the Repairs Admin Officer in the Council Housing Department on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail housing@fareham.gov.uk.  A range of frequently asked questions and answers on housing services have been compiled which may answer your queries.

 

Major Incident

For more information on Emergency Planning please contact the Emergency Planning Officer on 01329 236100 or e-mail regulatory@fareham.gov.uk  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.

 

Maps

We have a selection of Clickable Maps of local services within the Borough of Fareham, these will help you find your nearest facilities by selecting the red dot closest to your home.  You can also use the Find my Nearest search facility and the results will be shown on a map.

FarehamMap is an interactive mapping portal on Fareham Borough Council's website that contains maps of the borough of Fareham. See more information about FarehamMap, the FarehamMap terms and conditions and help with using FarehamMap.  Any queries regarding mapping should be sent to gis@fareham.gov.uk or tel: 01329 236100.  Alternatively please complete the FarehamMap feedback form.

 

Market Quay Development

For information on the Market Quay development please contact the Head of Estates on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail towncentre@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Marketing

The Council produces a number of guides and information leaflets covering a range of services. General Public Relations enquiries should be referred to the council's Public Relations Team in the Chief Executive's Office, tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail publicity@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Markets

For information on weekly markets and Farmers' Markets, please contact the Fareham Town Manager on tel: 01329 236100, e-mail towncentre@fareham.gov.uk or apply for a market stall online.

 

Mayoralty

Details of the Mayor, and the Mayor's charities are available on this website. For further details of Fareham's Mayoralty or an application form requesting the mayor to attend an event, please contact the Mayor's Secretary in the Chief Executive's Office on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail themayor@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Media

The council issues regular press releases and publicity information to the media. For further details please contact the Public Relations Team Officer in the Chief Executive's Office tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail publicity@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Meetings - Council & Committee

Details of all council and committee meetings are available on this website. Copies of agendas and reports for all committee meetings are available for inspection at the Civic Offices. Copies are also available for purchase. Please contact the legal and Democratic Services Section in the Department of Finance & Resources on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail democraticservices@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Members' Allowances/Expenses

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

 

Members' Code of Conduct

The Members Code of Conduct sets out the provisions which members must observe in carrying out their duties as a councillor, as a representative of the Council and in conducting the business of the Council.

 

Members of the Council

Details of the members of the council, their contact numbers, the areas of the borough that Councillors represent and the committees that Members serve are available. For further details please contact the Legal and Democratic Services Section in the Department of Finance & Resources on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail democraticservices@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Members of Parliament

The Members of Parliament for the Fareham area are Mark Hoban (for all Wards except Stubbington and Hill Head) and Peter Viggers (for the Wards of Stubbington and Hill Head). Contact details for the area's MPs are available online.

 

Members of European Parliament

There are eleven Members of the European Parliament for the South East Region of the UK. Contact details for the region's 11 MEPs are available online.

 

Memorial Benches

These can be placed within public spaces and cemeteries, the work being arranged by the council following discussion and consultation with the prospective donor. Further details are available from the Parks Officer in the Department of Customer Services, Leisure & Community Division on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk

 

Memorial Inspections

The council's programme of memorial inspections is scheduled to take place every 5 years commencing April 2006.

If you require any further information on Cemeteries, please contact the Cemeteries and Parks Officer at Fareham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Civic Way, Fareham, Hampshire, P016 7AZ, tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail parks@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Micro-chipping - Dogs

Dog owners in Fareham can have their dogs micro-chipped by appointment with the Dog Control Officer.  For further information contact the Dog Control Officer tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail regulatory@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Millennium Project - Henry Cort

Information on the Henry Cort Millennium Project is available from the Fareham Town Manager on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail towncentre@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Mobile Phones

Leaflets are available on the Department of Health website (this is an external hyperlink).  For further information please contact the Environmental Health Division at Fareham Borough Council on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail us at regulatory@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Moorings

The council does not own the foreshore, but holds a lease from The Crown, which entitles it to licence a limited number of mud moorings at Fareham Creek. All the moorings are currently occupied and, due to their popularity, have a very limited turnaround.  This, coupled with the high volume of waiting list entrants, resulting in prospective long waiting periods, has led to a decision to close the waiting list for the foreseeable future to further entries.

 

Moving Home

Whether you are moving into, out of, or within the borough, you can now notify Fareham Borough Council using an online change of address form.

 

Museum - Westbury Manor

Westbury Manor Museum is an historic listed building in West Street, Fareham, housing local historic displays, information and temporary exhibitions, with a small coffee area looking out on to a Victorian style garden.  Further information can be obtained from the Curator on tel: 01329 824895.

 

Mutual Exchange Register

A Mutual Exchange is where two (or more) tenants decide they want to swap homes.  For further information please contact the Department of Council Housing on 01329 236100, or e-mail housing@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.