Frequently Asked Questions

A to Z of Services - P

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Paper Banks

There are a number of paper banks in use within the borough.  For more information on recycling and waste contact the Contracts Officer in the Department of Regulatory Services, Environmental Health Division on 01329 236100, or by email: customerservices@fareham.gov.uk

 

Parking (in car parks)

General information on car parking is available. However, if you have a general enquiry please telephone the Parking and Enforcement Manager in the Department of Regulatory Services, Environmental Health Division on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail parkingservices@fareham.gov.uk.  If you wish to appeal against the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice, this will need to be in writing or e-mail. Please include the PCN number and name and address.

 

Parking Enforcement

Questions and answers on parking enforcement have been prepared and should give you more information about how on-street parking may affect you as a driver in the Borough. The council has a Parking Enforcement Policy (126 Kb)  pdf icon that sets out the main principles for enforcement associated with the delivery of the service.  An Annual Parking Enforcement Report 2008-2009 (546Kb) pdf icon is also available.

 

Parking Standards for New Development - Supplementary Planning Guidance

Local Practice Note - Residential Parking Standards. The Hampshire Parking Strategy and Standards (2002) replaces all other previously adopted parking standards, and has been adopted as supplementary planning guidance to the Local Plan.  Other related documents, services and strategies are: Supplementary Planning Guidance and Local Plan

 

Parks Events

These run from March until December and can be booked online or by telephoning the Parks and Open Spaces team. Contact the Public Spaces Section on 01329 236100 or e-mail: parks@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Pavement and Verge Parking

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, e-mail: engineering.transportation@fareham.gov.uk

 

Pay It

Fareham Borough Council provides several options for payment of services administered by the council. 

 

Pedestrian Crossings

Pelican and Zebra crossings provide safe points for pedestrians to cross busy roads.  For further information contact the Assistant Engineer on 01329 236100 or email engineering.transportation@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Performance Podium

This bandstand-like structure in the Henry Cort Sculpture Park, West Street Pedestrian Precinct, is available for booking for street-theatre performances and exhibitions (charitable or commercial). Details of conditions, hire charges etc are available from the Fareham Town Manager on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail towncentre@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Performance Review

Details of Fareham Borough Council's performance are available in the Annual Report 2007 (2,263 Kb) PDF logo and associated Appendix for the Annual Report (135 Kb) PDF logo, which provides details of the council's Best Value Performance Indicators for the year ended 31st March 2007.  For further information contact the Standards & Performance Review Officer in the Chief Executive's Office on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail performancereview@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Permits

General information regarding permits, licenses and fees is available, 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.

 

Permitted Development

Find out whether you need Planning Permission for works to, or changes in the use of, your property.

 

Personnel

For information on Fareham Borough Council personnel issues please contact the Personnel Assistant in the Chief Executive's Office on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail personnelservices@fareham.gov.uk. Details of current vacancies are available online.

 

Pest Control

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

 

Places of Worship

There are over 28 places of worship within Fareham.  There are also a number of religious organisations providing activities for all age groups within the borough.  For further information contact the Leisure and Community Division on 01329 236100 or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Places to Visit

For information on places to visit in the Fareham area please contact the Tourist Information Centre at Westbury Manor Museum in Fareham town centre on 01329 236100 or email: farehamtic@tourismse.com.

 

Planning

Regulatory Services: Development Control and Planning & Transportation Departments carry out the Council's Development Control and planning policy functions respectively.

 

Planning Advice

Extensive advice and explanations of the planning process are available online, and a range of frequently asked questions on planning control and planning permission may answer your queries.  

If you would like advice from a planning officer as to whether planning permission is likely to be granted for a proposal you have in mind, give us the details of what you want to do using a pre-application advice form.

 

Planning Aid

Planning Aid (this is an external hyperlink) provide access to volunteers giving independent advice and guidance on town planning issues.

 

Planning and Building Control Documents - Supply and Cost

 

Planning - Appeals

 

Planning Development Control Committee

Committee papers for the Planning Development Control Committee are available to view online.  Follow the links to see agendas, minutes, officer reports and planning appeals.

 

Planning - Enforcement

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.

 

Planning - Making a Planning Application

 

Planning Permission

Find out if you need Planning Permission for works you wish to carry out.  Use the appropriate form to give us all the information we need to advise you.

For more information please contact the Department of Regulatory Services, Planning Development Control Division on tel: 01329 236100 or email planningadvice@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Planning Policy and Strategy

Planning Policy and Strategy services provided by the council include the preparation and review of the Fareham Borough Local Plan, Supplementary Planning Guidance and Development Briefs.

 

Planning Portal

The Planning Portal is a government web site that contains extensive help for users of the planning service. These web-pages allow you to submit your planning application online, as well as providing an additional source of guidance and information concerning the planning system, with facilities for study and research and up-to-date news relating to the planning process.

For more information please contact the Department of Regulatory Services, Planning Development Control Division on tel: 01329 236100 or email planningadvice@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Planning Publications

Select from a comprehensive list of Planning Publications published by Fareham Borough Council, including Supplementary Planning Guidance, Development Briefs, the Local Plan and Conservation Character Assessments. 

 

Play Areas for Children

Equipped play areas for varying age groups are provided within parks and open spaces throughout the borough and are managed by the council. Further details available from the Head of Parks, Open Spaces and Amenities, in the Department of Customer Services, Leisure & Community Division on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Play Development

Fareham Borough Council co-ordinates a variety of play opportunities across the borough, throughout the main school holidays (this is an external hyperlink) of the year.

 

Play Groups

Out of school services (this is an external hyperlink) are for school-age children to play and learn and have fun in groups.  They are usually based in or near schools and more are being set up to help families where parents work.  A number of after school clubs, breakfast clubs and pre-schools operate in the Fareham area.

 

Play Scheme Activities

Fareham Borough Council co-ordinates a variety of play scheme activities across the borough throughout the main school holidays (this is an external hyperlink) of the year.

 

Police

For non-emergency anti-social behaviour, community safety advice, information and action please ring 101 (calls cost a flat rate of ten pence). More information about 101 (this is an external hyperlink). In an emergency always ring 999, however you can call 0845 045 45 45 for general enquiries or if you wish to report a crime (calls are charged at the local rate. Details of a direct dial number which may be less expensive to call (this is an external hyperlink). All calls to the police are monitored for training and development purposes. 

 

Pollution

Are you affected by noise from neighbours, smoke from private or commercial chimneys, fumes from factories, cooking odours from restaurants and public houses, dust from building site activities? Contact Environmental Health to discuss the most appropriate course of action to take in respect of such sources of nuisance. In normal circumstances, you will initially be asked to monitor the nuisance in writing and a letter will be sent to the alleged culprit describing the complaint. Further monitoring will be taken upon receipt of the diary records and should a Statutory Nuisance be found to exist, formal action can be taken by the council to abate the said nuisance.

You are also advised that the council provides an out-of-hours service for certain nuisance type complaints. You are able to contact this service on 0800 374485 if the nuisance is affecting you at your home after 2300 hours. If appropriate, an officer will visit your home to assess whether or not a Statutory Nuisance exists. Where necessary, the person responsible for the nuisance will then be asked to abate the nuisance.

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

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Portchester Crematorium

The Portchester Crematorium is controlled by a Joint Committee of Councillors representing the city of Portsmouth, and the boroughs of Fareham, Havant and Gosport but operates as an independent establishment. The telephone number is 01329 236100.

 

Potholes - Road/Pavement

Reports of potholes in the road or footway can be reported to Hampshire Highways on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail hampshirehighways.south@hants.gov.uk.

 

Press Enquiries

The council's Public Relations Team will answer press enquiries and regularly releases press releases and information to the media. For further information on public relations please contact the Public Relations Team in the Chief Executive's Office, tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail publicity@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Private Hire Car Licences

For further information on the licensing of Private Hire vehicles and drivers in the Fareham borough, please contact the Environmental Health Division in the Department of Regulatory Services on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail regulatory@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Private Sector Housing

For information on Private Sector Housing Initiatives and the available schemes please contact the Customer Service Centre on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk

 

Private Tenanted Accommodation/Shared Housing

If you're living in poor or overcrowded conditions and your landlord is reluctant to improve the property, contact Regulatory Services at regulatory@fareham.gov.uk or telephone on 01329 236100.

 

Procurement and 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.

 

Promotion

The council produces a number of guides and information leaflets covering a range of services. For information on a specific topic please refer to the subject matter for a contact. General publicity enquiries should be referred to the council's Publicity Officer in the Chief Executive's Office on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail publicity@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Protected Trees

All local Authorities have a duty under the Town and Country Planning Act to preserve and protect trees that offer a reasonable degree of public benefit or provide amenity value. The policy framework within which we work includes guidance and legislation from Central Government, industry bodies and local plans. This framework supports the work of the council’s Arborist in the business of inspecting and assessing trees on site. 

If work is required to be carried out on protected trees all applications need to be made on the new standard government Tree Works Application form (this is an external hyperlink).  For assistance with completing the application form please refer to the accompanying Guidance Notes (this is an external hyperlink). A paper copy can also be obtained from the Department of Planning and Transportation, Environment Group, Civic Offices, Civic Way, Fareham PO16 7AZ.  For information on correct pruning techniques the Council has produced a set of tree pruning guidance notes.  Also a range of frequently asked questions on trees and your property have been compiled which may answer your queries.

You can check whether or not the trees on your property are protected by a TPO by using the council's Tree Preservation Orders Register.

If you would like any further information please contact the Arborist within the Department of Planning and Transportation on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail conservation@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Public Case List - Case Tracker

Fareham Borough Council's Case Tracker can be used to view Cases that are for public view.

 

Public Documents

There is a list of all council publications available in PDF format for you to download from the website.

 

Public Notice Boards

Fareham Borough Council manages 42 notice boards across the borough for the benefit of the public.

Notices of forthcoming events organised by voluntary organisations, community groups or other 'non-profit' making organisations serving the needs of the community may be displayed. You can also advertise your event on the What's On Guide.

 

Public Relations

The council's Public Relations Team will answer press enquiries and regularly releases press releases and information to the media. For further information on public relations, please contact the Public Relations Team in the Chief Executive's Office, tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail: publicity@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Public Spaces

This incorporates woodlands, cemeteries, parks and sports facilities - please contact the Parks and Open Spaces Manager, in the Department of Customer Services, Leisure & Community Division on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail parks@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Public Toilets/Conveniences

There are 17 public toilets in the borough, a number of which have disabled facilities. Radar keys for people with disabilities are available free for Fareham residents on request.  For more information regarding Radar keys and/or public toilets and conveniences please contact Customer Services on tel: 01329 236100 or by email: customerservices@fareham.gov.uk

 

Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH)

Fareham Borough Council is one of the eleven local authorities in the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH). PUSH is dedicated to sustainable, economic-led growth and improving prosperity and the quality of life for everyone who lives, works and spends their leisure time in South Hampshire.  For further information visit the website at www.push.gov.uk (this is an external hyperlink).

 

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.

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