Frequently Asked Questions

A to Z of Services - R

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Radar Keys

Radar keys are for use in public toilets by residents of the borough of Fareham who have a disability. They are available from the council's main reception desk on the ground floor of the Civic Offices.  For further information contact Customer Services on tel: 01329 236100 or email: customerservices@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Radiation Monitoring

The Department of Regulatory Services, Environmental Health Division deals with radiation monitoring within the Fareham Borough Council area. For further information please contact us on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail regulatory@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Ragwort

Uncontrolled ragwort left growing in and around horse pastures exposes horses and ponies to poisoning and possibly death, and the infestation will increase each year as plants set seed.  Ragwort is also harmful to humans. Further information is available on our Ragwort webpages and the DEFRA website (this is an external hyperlink).

 

Rail Travel

The Travel Planner provides links both to train timetables and also to general rail enquiries.  Live train information is also available.

 

Rangers

The Ranger Service is responsible for protecting and enhancing the environment.  For further information contact the Customer Services Centre on 01329 236100 or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Recovery Revenue

The Recovery Section is responsible for the recovery of all unpaid sums in respect of Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates and Community Charge. Please contact the Recovery Manager in the Department of Finance & Resources on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail counciltax@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Recreation Grounds - Outdoor Parks/Sports Pitches

If you would like more information on this area please contact the Outdoor Recreation Officer who is responsible for sports and recreation facilities in the borough. Please contact them on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail parks@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Recycling

Information on recycling is available or please contact the Contracts Officer in the Department of Customer Services on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk.

 

 

Refuse Collection

For information on refuse collection and access to our domestic refuse collection search facility please contact the Refuse & Cleansing section in the Department of Customer Services on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk

Compost bins can be purchased at a cheaper rate by calling 0845 073 2002 or visiting www.recyclenow.com/compost (this is an external hyperlink).

 

Refuse - Household Waste Recycling Centres

Household Waste Recycling Centres 'HWRC' opening times are; 1st March to 31st March, 8am - 5pm, 1st April to 30th September, 8am - 7pm.  1st October to 28th February, 8am - 4.00pm.  They close on 25th and 26th December and 1st January.

 

Register/Registration Office

Fareham Registration Office (this is an external hyperlink) is an elegant early 20th century building located on Osborn Road South and can accommodate 30 seated guests and ten standing. The Registration Office is part of the Hampshire Registration Service (this is an external hyperlink) and is one of many Registration Offices in the area (this is an external hyperlink), which registers births, marriages and deaths, conducts civil marriage ceremonies and civil partnerships and performs citizenship ceremonies. Additionally, copies of local birth, marriage and death certificates can be ordered online (this is an external hyperlink).

 

Registration of Electors

Registration as an elector in the borough is required by law, although there are some restrictions on who may register as an elector. For example, you must a British or Commonwealth or Irish citizen aged 18 or over. 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 is up-to-date. If you have moved to a new address in the borough, you should contact the Elections Office - tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail electionservices@fareham.gov.uk - for an application form.

Special arrangements exist for the registration of homeless persons, remand prisoners and mental health patients; for further details contact the Elections Office.

 

Religious Organisations

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

 

Rent Payments (Housing)

For queries relating to rent payments for Council owned properties including garages, Please contact the Senior Rents Officer in the Council Housing Department on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail housing@fareham.gov.uk.

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

  

Repair & Maintenance of Council Property

Fareham Borough Council tenants reporting internal/external maintenance problems with their properties or requiring information on maintenance work already reported and awaiting completion should contact Repairs Administration in the Council Housing Department on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail housing@fareham.gov.uk or fill in the online housing repair request.

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

 

Residential Car and Cycle Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) November 2009

Following changes in government policy, the Residential Car and Cycle Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) has been revised.  This will ensure that appropriate levels of car parking are provided in new developments, is a key part of making sure residential areas are attractive, accessible and safe for existing and future residents. 

 

Residential Homes

There are several residential homes in Fareham.  For further information on these and other adult services please see the Social Services in Fareham page.

 

Residential Sites for Caravans

There are five residential caravan sites in the borough which are licensed and inspected by the council.

 

Restaurants

Whether you live here or are visiting, you will be spoilt for choice by the wide range of restaurants and picturesque pubs in and around Fareham.

 

Restructuring of Local Authority

The election of a new Mayor for London may be something not only to happen there. Soon many other local authorities in the country might be going through a similar process. More information on what Fareham plans to do is available or please contact the Chief Executive's Office on tel: 01329 236100 or by e-mail cxoffice@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Review of Community Buildings

Fareham Borough Council is currently undertaking a review of Community Buildings. For further information about the review please contact the Leisure and Community Division on 01329 236100 or email customerservices@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Right To Buy Scheme

If you wish to consider buying your council property under the Right To Buy scheme, please contact the Council Housing Department on 01329 236100 for more information and an application form or e-mail housing@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Rights of Way

The Hampshire Countryside Service manages about 3,000 miles of public footpaths, bridleways and unsurfaced roads.  These are maintained locally by teams who work with landowners to keep vegetation under control and ensure that the paths are clear.  The legal record of Rights of Way (this is an external hyperlink) is kept under constant review by the map team at Hampshire County Council (this is an external hyperlink) in Winchester.

 

River Hamble

The River Hamble is home to some of the most important boatyards in the country, together with chandlers, inns and restaurants. It is an attractive area for sailing and the river is usually full with various types of craft.

 

Road Closures

If you want to hold a street party, carnival or marathon then it may be necessary for a temporary road closure to be put in place.  For further information on Road Closures please contact the Department of Planning and Transportation on 01329 236100 or e-mail

engineering.transportation@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Road/Car Travel

The Travel Planner shows proposed road works in Hampshire and also gives information on car sharing schemes.

 

Road Naming/Numbers

Building Control in the Planning Development Control Division is responsible for naming new streets, numbering the properties and for changes to the numbering of existing streets and individual dwellings. For more information please contact the Building Control Manager in the Department of Regulatory Services, Planning Development Control Division on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail buildingcontrol@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Roads (Adoption of)

 

In general terms, the council has no responsibility for maintaining private streets. These may be streets which the owners wish to remain private or more recently-constructed streets to serve developments. In the latter case, the developer may apply for the street to be adopted by the council.

 

Road Safety Council

The Fareham Road Safety Council is supported by Hampshire County Council. Telephone 01962 841841 or e-mail road.safety@hants.gov.uk. More information on road safety is available on Hantsweb (this is an external hyperlink).

 

Road Salting/Gritting

Any queries on salting of the highways during winter months can be directed to Hampshire Highways at Hampshire County Council (this is an external hyperlink)

 

Road Signs

Reports of damage to existing road signs can be made to Hampshire Highways at Hampshire County Council (this is an external hyperlink).  Reports of damage to street name plates can be made to the Department of Planning and Transportation on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail engineering.transportation@fareham.gov.uk.

Request for new directional and tourist signs can be made to the Department of Planning and Transportation on tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail engineering.transportation@fareham.gov.uk. Motorway signs are dealt with by the Highways Agency.

 

Road Works

Information about current road works on motorways and trunk roads can be found on Hantsweb (this is an external hyperlink).  If you wish to comment on road works in Hampshire, please use the highways management form (this is an external hyperlink) or contact Hampshire Highways at Hampshire County Council (this is an external hyperlink).

 

Roundabout Sponsorship

Fareham Borough Council is committed to making the Borough a more attractive place to live and work. One initiative is for organisations to sponsor roundabouts. More information on the roundabout sponsorship scheme is available, however if you should like further details please contact the Department of Planning and Transportation on tel: 01329 236100 or by e-mail engineering.transportation@fareham.gov.uk.

 

Rubbish

Detailed information is available online about rubbish and recycling including an a to z of how to dispose of waste. Please contact the Refuse & Cleansing section in the Department of Customer Services on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.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.

Why can I not find the address I''m looking for?:
The addresses available are for Fareham Borough only.
The criteria entered into the search fields needs to match how the address information appears in the database. Often the way addresses have been formatted can vary as well can the spelling, this may affect whether you can find the address. The way around this is to search on the least amount of information as possible. Also use of a wild card "%" which can assist a search if the whole address is not known or if search is not finding an address. The use of a wild card either side of word will look for the word within the database eliminating any surrounding words or letters.

For example a search for Civic Offices could look like

Building: %Civic%

Road Name: Civic Way

Postcode: PO16%

If the property is in the Fareham borough and still does not appear to be available through the address search please email gis@fareham.gov.uk.

Why can''t I see a map layer that is switched on?
1. Once the box has been checked for a certain layer, the Refresh button needs to be pressed for the map data to appear.
2. The area of the map you are looking at contains no features from the specified map layer.

3. The map viewer is at an inappropriate zoom for viewing this map layer. Try zooming out or in to different scales.

Why does the map take so long to load?
Map data can be quite large and can take sometime to be transferred between Fareham Borough Council''s server and your computer. Therefore be careful not to display too many map layers at once as this will not help the performance.
FarehamMap is best viewed from a broad band internet connection for the same reasons.

What is a caravan?
A caravan is defined as any structure designed or adapted for human habitation which is capable of being moved from one place to another (whether by being towed, or by being transported on a motor vehicle or trailer) and any motor vehicle so designed or adapted, but does not include:



any railway rolling stock which is for the time being on rails forming part of a railway system, or
any tent.


The definition was amended by the Caravan Sites Act 1968 to include a twin-unit caravan provided that it is:



composed of not more than two sections separately constructed and designed to be assembled on site by means of bolts, clamps or other devices and;
when dis-assembled, is physically capable of being moved by road from one place to another (whether by being towed or by being transported on a motor vehicle or trailer).


Provided also when assembled:



its length (exclusive of drawbar) does not exceed 60 feet (18.288 m);
its width does not exceed 20 feet (6.096 m);
the overall height of the living accommodation (measured internally from the floor to the lowest level of the ceiling at the highest level) does not exceed 10 feet (3.048 m).

Are there any organisations that are exempted from applying for a Caravan Site Licence?
Yes, the following organisations do not require to apply for a caravan site licence:



The Caravan Club
The Camping Club of Great Britain and Ireland
The Boy Scouts Association
The Girl Guides Association
The Motor Caravanners Club
Other organisations may be exempted if they hold a certificate of exemption granted by the Secretary of State.

Is there a charge for a Caravan Site Licence?
No, there are no charges for the issuing of caravan site licences.

How long does a Caravan Site Licence last?
The duration of a site licence will be determined by any time restrictions imposed by a planning consent. If an occupier wishes to continue the use of a caravan site at the expiration of any planning permission, the planning permission will need to be renewed before a new caravan site licence can be issued.

What is the relationship between Planning Permission and issuing Caravan Site Licences?
A planning consent and a site licence are separate and distinct from one another. A site licence cannot be issued unless the land concerned has planning permission for use as a caravan site.

Once planning permission for a caravan site licence has been granted, what happens next?
Where planning permission has been granted, the local authority must issue a caravan site licence within two months of the application being made.



Where planning permission is given after an application for a caravan site licence has been made, provided all the required information is supplied, the site licence has to be issued within 6 weeks from the date of the planning consent. The applicant and the local authority may though agree longer periods for the issue of a site licence.

What happens when the ownership of a caravan site changes?
The legislation allows for the transfer of a caravan site licence provided that the new licence holder becomes the occupier of the land. Transfer of the licence is by endorsing the licence with the new name and the date of the transfer.

Can the conditions attached to a licence be changed after the licence has been issued?
The conditions attached to a site licence may be varied, supplemented or replaced at any time provided the licence holder has been consulted and has had adequate opportunity to make representations. The local authority must consult with the fire authority concerning any changes to conditions relating to fire precautions.

In what situations does the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 apply with regards to caravan sites?
Section 3 of the Act places a general duty on site operators to conduct their undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that both residents and the public at large are not exposed to risks to their health and safety.



There is a relationship between the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and therefore any action taken needs to be carefully considered by the Council in terms of which legislation is to be used.

In what situations does the Public Health Act 1936 apply to caravan sites?
Section 268 (1) of the Public Health Act 1936 applies the general nuisance provisions of Part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to tents, vans, sheds and similar moveable structures used for human habitation. It also applies sections 83-85 of the 1936 Act concerning filthy or verminous premises provisions to caravans. In terms of Statutory Nuisance in relation to caravans, the following applies:



Any caravan in such a state or so overcrowded as to be prejudicial to the health of the inmates; and,
Any caravan the use of which, because the lack of proper sanitary accommodation, or for any other reason, causes conditions prejudicial to health, whether on site or any other land.


Where a statutory nuisance exists, the action should be taken against the occupier of the land, i.e. the site owner. The occupier of the land has a defence in that he did not authorise the caravan to be placed there.

In what situations does the Mobile Homes Act 1983 apply to Caravan Sites?
The Mobile Homes Act 1983 is primarily concerned with the protection of security of tenure of residents on a caravan site. This legislation is not enforced by Environmental Services and any issues relating to this legislation should in the first instance be referred to the Housing Department. A guide has been produced by the ODPM on the Mobile Homes Act 1983 and this document provides useful information on the legislation.

How do I find out information about the Caravan Site Licence that has been issued?
All site licences applying to sites where more than three mobile homes may be stationed are required to display a copy of the site licence (and conditions attached) in a conspicuous place.



Every local authority must keep a register of the site licences issued in its area and the register must be available for inspection during normal office hours. Enquires regarding the public register should be made via e-mail to regulatory@fareham.gov.uk or telephone us on 01329 236100.

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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