Waste and recycling services - we have high numbers of staff self-isolating due to COVID-19 and there may be some delays in collections. If we need to suspend non-essential services such as garden waste or bulky waste collections we will post this information via our website and social media in the first instance.
Hart Leisure Centre and Frogmore Leisure Centre remain closed while national restrictions apply. Further information can be found on the EA website.
Planning (Development Management)
The planning service is still operating however there is a reduced service. Staff are now entirely home-based, and this has had implications for the way that the service is running.
Contacting us
Our preferred method of contact will be by email. You can either email the case officer directly where you are contacting us regarding a current case. For general queries, new cases or where you do not know the case officer please send emails to planningadmin@hart.gov.uk.
Site visits
In line with the Government lockdown, Planning, Conservation, Enforcement and Tree Officers are currently not carrying out site visits although this is being regularly reviewed. Where possible we will use alternative means to assess applications and this may mean that we will ask you to send us photos of your site or we may arrange a video call. This will unfortunately mean that there will be some delays in assessing your application; if this affects you, your case office will update you.
Applicants are encouraged to provide comprehensive photos of the outside and inside (where necessary) of their property and/or relevant views out. If we require further photos we will be in touch. Please note, however, that despite our best efforts, some applications will not be able to be determined at this time however we will keep you updated if this is the case.
Site notices
As officers are not currently carrying out site visits, this means that where a site notice is required by legislation there will be some delays in the determination of your application; if you are affected your case officer will keep you updated. Planning legislation requires that for certain types of application a site notice must be displayed; these are known as statutory site notices. For other types of application, including the majority of householder extension applications, the Council has recently amended its Statement of Community Involvement and will only be sending out neighbour notification letters.
Submitting applications
The preferred method of submission is via the Planning Portal. Applications submitted by paper will experience significant delays in processing. If you are intending to submit a complex or major planning application please contact us first to discuss the best method of submission; please email any queries to planningadmin@hart.gov.uk.
This applies to all types of application including planning, advertisement consent, listed building and tree works applications.
Consultation responses
The Council already sends all consultations to consultees such as Hampshire Highways Authority, Parish and Town Councils, Tree Officer, Historic England and the Environment Agency, by email and this will continue. However during this time, there are likely to be delays in the Council receiving consultation responses on any planning application. This may mean that we are unable to determine your application within the usual statutory timescales.
We are continuing to send out neighbour notification letters and will continue to do so for as long as we are able. Our preferred method for submitting comments is via our online portal. If you are unable to use the online portal please email any comments to planningadmin@hart.gov.uk. There will be delays in processing any responses received by post so we would urge you to submit your comments by email or on the website. This applies to all types of application including planning, advertisement consent, listed building and tree works applications.
Pre-Application Advice including Duty Planner Service
The Council usually offers a paid for pre-application advice service alongside a very generic duty planning officer service. Until further notice this service will be restricted. We will no longer be able to offer the drop-in service at the Council Offices. We will not be able to conduct any face-to-face meetings or site visits. Advice can still be given by email and by phone. It is recommended that you supply photos of your property and any relevant views with your pre-application advice request to assist us. There may be some delay’s in our response time and we will try to contact you to advise of any issues.
Where fees are payable we suggest you contact us by email at planningadmin@hart.gov.uk first with details of your pre-application advice request and we can advise you of the fee and how to pay.
Planning Committee and the Determination of Applications
The Council has delegated powers to officers to determine a significant proportion of planning applications. However some applications will be determined by a Planning Committee. New legislation allows Council Meetings including the Planning Committee to be held virtually. Meetings will be streamed via our Livestream Facebook page and recordings will be removed from the page the following day.
A list of future meetings can be viewed on our council meetings page.
Planning Enforcement
We will continue to monitor and review any allegations of unauthorised work however we are operating a reduced service.
Listed Building Applications
The above also applies to applications for works to listed buildings. If there are any works that are urgent, please email planningadmin@hart.gov.uk for further advice. You should clearly set out what works are required, any justification and why they are urgent (for example where a structure or building is in danger of imminent collapse however you will be expected to supply the supporting information to demonstrate that this is the case). We will be able to advise you as to the next steps.
Applications for works to protected trees
The above also applies to applications for works to protected trees. If there are any works that are urgent, please email trees@hart.gov.uk. You should clearly set out what works are required, any justification and why they are urgent (for example where a tree or branch is at imminent risk of causing harm or damage to property). You will be expected to supply supporting information to demonstrate that this is the case. The expected level of detail will vary depending on precise circumstances but as a minimum, we request that you provide photographs evidencing your concerns. If we require further information, we will contact you to advise on this.
Planning Appeals
The Planning Inspectorate has informed the Council that until further notice all site visits, hearings and public inquiries will be postponed. If you have any concerns regarding this please contact the Planning Inspectorate directly. You can read the latest information regarding planning appeals on the GOV.UK's website.
Street naming and numbering
We are able to continue our street naming and numbering services at this time although there may be some delays in processing your request. At this time we would strongly encourage you to make any application by email to streetnames@hart.gov.uk rather than by post. Any applications by post will experience delays in processing.
Building Control
Building Control continues to be operational although remotely. General enquiries and inspections should be made using the buildingcontrol@hart.gov.uk email address. This is monitored constantly and users will be contacted as soon as possible during normal working hours.
Site inspections are available daily but will be subject to a risk-based approach in terms of social distancing and completion visits will only be considered where a house sale is imminent.
Calls and advice relating to dangerous structures should use the above email or call 01252 622122 in the event of an emergency.
