Frequently Asked Questions

New Hotel and Guest Accommodation Classifications

The AA, English Tourism Council and RAC, in response to customer demand, have joined forces to create a new overall rating scheme for Hotels and Guest Accommodation. Now, when you see one of the signs showing Stars or Diamonds, you'll know that the Hotel or Guest Accommodation has been visited overnight anonymously by qualified Inspectors - all working to the same high standards. It's that simple and easy to find quality accommodation you can trust.

Stars for Hotels

Stars, from one to five, symbolise overall quality, level of service, food standard and range of facilities available. If you want to be sure of an en-suite bathroom for example, choose a two Star or above. To be sure of a wide menu selection and an all-day bar, then choose a Hotel with three or more Stars. Wherever you book, be it a city centre Hotel or a secluded retreat in the country, look for the signs to be sure.

Diamonds for Guest Accommodation

If you're planning to spend a few nights in a pretty guesthouse, an inn, a rural farmhouse, or maybe a cosy bed and breakfast, check out the new Diamond ratings for Guest Accommodation. They range from one to five and indicate the level of quality you can expect. The number of Diamonds is based on an assessment by the Inspectors, looking at cleanliness, guest care, bedroom comfort, bathroom facilities and standard of food. Diamonds are a traveller's best friend!

 

For further information visit the following websites or call for a guide:

• The AA (this is an external hyperlink) - Tel: 01206 255 800

• The England Tourist Board (this is an external hyperlink) - Tel: 0870 606 7204

• The RAC (this is an external hyperlink) - Tel: 08000 726 999

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the beach huts?
Fareham has two beach hut locations both at Hill Head, the first at Monks Hill which has 60 sites available and the other at Cliff Road which has 105 sites.

How long is the waiting list for a beach hut?
Unfortunately due to the high demand for beach huts the Council have regrettably had to close the waiting list to new applicants. On average only 8 beach huts exchange ownership each year and at present there is approximately 100 people on the waiting list, the waiting list will re open once it has become more manageable.

Can I purchase a beach hut privately?
It is not possible to purchase a beach hut privately. Huts may only be purchased via the waiting list which is maintained by the Estates section, who will then grant permission to site the beach hut on the foreshore.

How much does it cost to purchase a beach hut?
It is between the vendor and prospective owner to negotiate a purchase price for the beach hut which may vary according to size, condition and location. An owner may only sell their beach hut through the Council''s waiting list and as the huts themselves are private property the Council is not involved in their individual valuations. However, as a guide the beach huts at Cliff Road are currently achieving values averaging between £5,000 and £6,000. Whilst the beach huts at Monks Hill site are currently achieving values in the region of £9,000.

How much does it cost to rent the land on which the beach hut is sited?
The beach huts are privately owned, however each owner will enter into an agreement with the council for use of the site. This will include the payment of an annual plot rent and national non-domestic rates on the hut.



For Fareham residents the rent for 2009 is £290 per annum.



For non residents the rent for 2009 is £580 per annum.

Tell me about the Beach Hut Association
The local beach hut owners have set up an association which meet every two months to discuss any issues relating to the beach huts and surrounding area. For more information please contact


Chairman - Percy O''Dell or Secretary - Ann Jones
11 Funtley Lane
Funtley
Fareham
Hants
PO17 5EH
e-mail : aanniejones@aol.com

Do I need planning permission to replace my hut?
When a beach hut (or any property) is demolished then in planning terms it is treated as though it has never existed. As such a planning application is required.



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