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Service disruptions

Last updated: 3 hours ago

If you don’t already subscribe to the garden waste collection service and would like to join, we are now able to accept new customers and deliver bins. We can now also take orders for recycling boxes and rubbish bins and bags.

If you have extra recycling

You can put extra recycling out for collection next to your existing containers, in an untied carrier bag. Please sort different materials into separate bags.

If your black rubbish bin has been lost or stolen

Please put your rubbish out in a strong bin bag in your usual location and for your scheduled collection day, and we will collect it. 

Recycling centres

Keynsham recycling centre is open, but there are restrictions on when you can use the centre.

Midsomer Norton recycling centre is now open, but you must book an appointment online before you visit, otherwise you will be turned away.

Bath recycling centre is now open 7 days a week, but you must book an appointment online before you visit.

Permit holders for vans

Permit holders for vans over 5 metres will not be able to visit Bath recycling centre and will be turned away. Please use Keynsham recycling centre or book an appointment at Midsomer Norton. All other van permit holders can book an appointment at Bath on any available slot, 7 days a week.

Last updated: 2 days ago

Bath recycling centre

Bath recycling centre is now open 7 days a week to Bath and North East Somerset residents. You must book an appointment online before you visit, otherwise you will be turned away.

Permit holders for vans

Permit holders for vans over 5 metres will not be able to visit Bath recycling centre and will be turned away. Please use Keynsham recycling centre or book an appointment at Midsomer Norton. All other van permit holders can book an appointment at Bath on any available slot, 7 days a week.

Keynsham recycling centre

Keynsham recycling centre is now open to Bath and North East Somerset residents, but there are restrictions on when you can use the centre, so please read the Keynsham recycling centre web page for more information.

Midsomer Norton recycling centre

Midsomer Norton recycling centre is now open to Bath and North East Somerset residents, but you must book an appointment online before you visit, otherwise you will be turned away.

Last updated: 5 days ago

All of our One Stop Shops are currently providing a limited service until further notice. This includes:

  • Telephones to contact council and partner services
  • Card or cash payments at our self-service machine
  • Dealing with essential Welfare Support enquiries

One Stop Shops are no longer taking cash payments during the coronavirus outbreak. To see other payment options view our Pay for It section
 

Last updated: 5 days ago

We will not be issuing any bus passes in our Bath, Keynsham, or Midsomer Norton One Stop Shops until further notice. Any older person's or disabled bus pass that is due for renewal in April, May, June, July, August or September will automatically be posted to you.

Last updated: 5 days ago

Summary of changes to rubbish and recycling collection times:

  • Collections now start an hour earlier from 6am
  • Crews may arrive earlier or later in the day than previously
  • Collection times are likely to vary throughout the summer
Read more about changes to collection times

We are reviewing our operating times to help our crews during the hot weather. Rubbish and recycling collections will now start from 6am (instead of 7am) and will finish later than usual.

Please ensure your containers are at the front edge of your property by 6am on your collection day or from 8pm the night before.

Collection times are likely to vary on your collection day and you may need to leave your bins out longer than normal. Once containers have been emptied please bring them back in as soon as possible on your collection day to help keep your street tidy.

Last updated: 2 weeks ago

Rubbish and recycling

We are prioritising rubbish and recycling collections, but there may still be delays or missed collections. If your whole street has been missed, please leave your rubbish and recycling out and we’ll get to it when we can, ensuring it's not causing an obstruction or over spilling. We are not able to return for individual missed collections. Check our current collection problems page for specific streets that have been missed.

Garden waste

Fortnightly garden waste collections restarted on Monday 27 April 2020. Garden waste collections were stopped temporarily to prioritise rubbish and recycling collections from households during this difficult time, and we thank you for your patience. We extended the annual subscription period for garden waste bins, and existing garden waste stickers were valid until 18 July 2020 to make up for missed collections.

Recycling centres

Keynsham recycling centre is open, but there are restrictions on when you can use the centre.

Midsomer Norton recycling centre is now open to Bath and North East Somerset residents, but you must book an appointment online before you visit, otherwise you will be turned away.

Bath recycling centre will be open 7 days a week from Monday 27 July 2020, to Bath and North East Somerset residents, and you must book an appointment online before you visit.

Permit holders for vans

Permit holders for vans over 5 metres will not be able to visit Bath recycling centre and will be turned away. Please use Keynsham recycling centre or book an appointment at Midsomer Norton. All other van permit holders can book an appointment at Bath on any available slot, 7 days a week.

Last updated: 2 weeks ago
View details of how normal regulations and services may be affected

Progressing your Neighbourhood Plan during the pandemic

In supporting Neighbourhood Planning activities, our advice on the necessary consultation stages will follow the guidance in the NPPG (as amended to reflect Covid-19 circumstances).  

It is still essential that all residents, businesses and other stakeholders with an interest in the Neighbourhood Plan are kept informed and have the opportunity to engage in neighbourhood planning. However, consultation does not need to happen face-to-face, and greater use of online tools is likely to be appropriate, along with other targeted methods of canvassing opinion, particularly for those without internet access.  

Under current Government regulations, no Community Referendum (the final stage before a Plan can be adopted) will take place before 6th May 2021.

 

Last updated: 3 weeks ago
View details of how normal services may be affected

Planning history prior to 1996 may not be readily available, because we are unable to retrieve paper files from our archives. Please continue to use the  and we will advise.

Last updated: 3 weeks ago
View details of how normal regulations may be affected

Deferred delivery of planning obligations

During the COVID-19 period, the Government is encouraging local authorities to consider allowing developers to defer delivery of planning obligations, such as financial contributions.

Deferral periods could be time-limited, or linked to the government’s wider legislative approach and the lifting of CIL easements. Deeds of variation can be used to agree these changes. We are taking a pragmatic and proportionate approach to the enforcement of section 106 planning obligations during this period.

In line with this guidance, we will consider requests on a case by case basis, and where appropriate, will work to assist you through the submission of D6A and M6A applications.

 

Last updated: 3 weeks ago
View details of how normal regulations may be affected

Deferred delivery of planning obligations

During the COVID-19 period, the Government is encouraging local authorities to consider allowing developers to defer delivery of planning obligations, such as financial contributions.

Deferral periods could be time-limited, or linked to the government’s wider legislative approach and the lifting of CIL easements. Deeds of variation can be used to agree these changes. We are taking a pragmatic and proportionate approach to the enforcement of section 106 planning obligations during this period.

In line with this guidance, we will consider requests on a case by case basis, and where appropriate, will work to assist you through the submission of D6A and M6A applications.

 

Last updated: 3 weeks ago
View details of how normal regulations may be affected

Deferred payments and late payment interest

On 13 May 2020, the Government confirmed they intend to help small and medium sized developers (those with an annual turnover of less than £45 million) by introducing temporary amendments to the CIL Regulations 2010, such as deferring payments and disapplying late payment interest, where appropriate. 

The Amendment to the Regulations has not yet been published. However, we can confirm that until amendments to the regulations take effect, we will take a flexible approach to requests for deferred payments, and may not pursue missed payments in the short term.

It is unknown whether the Regulation amendments will apply retrospectively. Therefore, we will continue to advise that developers may be liable for late payment interest, subject to the standard regulations. Surcharges will be considered on a case by case basis, and until the regulations are amended, we may continue to levy these.

 

Last updated: 3 weeks ago
View details of how normal services and regulations may be affected

Construction operating hours

In line with the Ministerial Statement of 13 May 2020, developers may apply to re-discharge or relax conditions concerning site working hours or Construction Management Plans up to 13 May 2021. We will assess each case on its own merits, in consultation with Planning Enforcement and Environmental Protection, taking into account the location of the site and potential disturbance to surrounding residents. Whilst aim to consider requests favourably, we may still reject them, if there is likely to be a significant negative impact on residents in terms of noise, dust or other disturbance.

Before you apply

Please ensure you provide the following information in support of your application:

  • The types of activities to be carried out on the site (for example, groundwork, stone cutting, blockwork, internal fit out, decorating, plumbing, electrics)
  • Anticipated duration of the activities (how long they are scheduled to be on site)
  • Anticipated delivery times
  • Confirmed point of contact (name and phone number) of the site manager who can be contacted by the public or council officers
  • Confirmation that you will keep an incident log to record any complaints you receive directly, or any instances of noise or activity that may cause disturbance (for example, recording if there is a mechanical failure or incident that occurs that you need to deal with)
  • Amended CMP, reflecting changing work hours and delivery times
  • An indication of whether surrounding residents have been informed of the changes in hours or operating conditions

How to apply

You should make applications in the usual way through the Planning Portal using the option to discharge a condition.

Please note, if your site is not covered by an operating hours condition or construction management plan, you are required to comply with the restrictions on hours set out in our Code of Practice for Construction Noise. If you wish to operate beyond these hours, you may still apply to us by submitting a request under the ‘condition discharge’ regime, providing the above information.

Fees

No fee is payable for applications to relax or change construction hours.

 

Last updated: 3 weeks ago
View details of how normal regulations and services may be affected

Progressing the Local Plan during the pandemic

As far as is practicable during the current pandemic, we continue to meet the requirements for public consultation and engagement with developing planning policy which are set out in our Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).

Our current adopted SCI is the Neighbourhood Planning Protocol (NPP). We are currently reviewing this document, and preparing a replacement. Where necessary, we will make further changes to the new SCI in response to Covid-19 circumstances.  

In consulting on planning policy documents, we will follow the updated guidance set in the NPPG.  This means we will make greater use of online consultation methods and events, and we will make all reasonable efforts to publicise consultations and accept comments from those without internet access. We are working on replacing the normal availability of hard-copy documents for consultations at deposit stations with online availability.

 

Last updated: 3 weeks ago
View details of how normal services may be affected

Hard copy comments on applications (via email or letter) will take longer to process, and we urge everyone to use our online service to view and comment on planning applications.

For re-consultations where we have received additional information, the normal public consultation period is 14 days. However, the government has increased this to 21 days, so residents will have longer to view the new information and make comments.

Last updated: 4 weeks ago

Our Children's Centres (Radstock, Keynsham, Bath Children and Family Centre and St Martin’s, Bath) are currently ONLY open to provide reduced Family Support, Health Visiting and social care services to families with children up to eight years old. Services include telephone or ‘virtual’ support, alongside the distribution of essential supplies to self-isolating families. All regular groups and courses have been postponed until further notice.

Contact our Children's Centre staff

Phone Bath Children and Family Centre on 01225 39 66 62, St Martin’s 01225 39 60 04, Radstock 01225 39 66 60 or Keynsham  01225 39 54 00. Alternatively, email brightstartcc@bathnes.gov.uk, or go to our Facebook page.

Last updated: 1 month ago

From the 15 July 2020, you will need your PIN to log on to the CloudLibrary (for e-Books). If you don’t know your PIN or have forgotten it, go to 'Log In' on the LibrariesWest website, and then select ‘Forgot my PIN’ and you should receive an automated email (as long as you have a current email address on your library record).

If you don’t receive one after checking your junk/spam folder, email librarieswest@somerset.gov.uk, with your name and borrower number. If you receive an error message when you log on, your membership is probably incorrect or has expired, and so you will need to create a new account

Last updated: 1 month ago

The Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support services are not currently being delivered at our One Stop Shops due to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis. You can still email or post application forms to us (although we would advise email rather than post), but call our Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support enquiry line on 01225 47 77 77 if you have any questions.

Last updated: 1 month ago

The Mobile Library is suspended until further notice.

Renew books online

Last updated: 1 month ago

The ongoing pandemic has affected many aspects of the services we offer, and how we are able to deliver them. Please choose a topic below to learn in detail how this may have an impact on your planning-related task.

If you cannot find what you need on the website, you can email development_management@bathnes.gov.uk. You will need to include your phone number, so that we can call you back if necessary.

Last updated: 1 month ago

Parking charges for residents and visitors were reintroduced on 4 May 2020 for Bath & North East Somerset Council car parks and on street paid for parking, after pausing initially due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Residents will need a valid permit if using residents’ parking bays. 

NHS staff, health and social care workers and NHS volunteers are being encouraged to apply via their employer for a new Government national parking pass so that they can park for free with no time limits when on duty during COVID-19. On-street parking places where the national permit can be used are limited to pay and display bays, limited waiting bays and permit holder bays and zones. All other groups must make a payment and there are no further concessions available.

Find out more about the national parking pass scheme

Last updated: 1 month ago

During the current COVID-19 crisis, we have taken the decision to stop all cash payments at the self-serve kiosks in the One Stop Shops (at Lewis House in Bath, the Civic Centre in Keynsham and The Hollies in Midsomer Norton).

Other ways of making payments

You MUST quote a reference number for your garden waste payment.

  • Online
  • Automated Telephone Payments (ATP) on 0845 372 3501 or
  • Bank Transfer, Faster Payment, BACs using the account details below:
    • Bank: NatWest Bank
    • Sort Code: 56-00-34
    • Account number: 5713 4464
Last updated: 1 month ago

During the COVID 19 pandemic, the Land Charges service are working remotely. We are able to process Local Authority searches online. We aim to return search requests within two days, although some requests may take slightly longer.

Last updated: 1 month ago

The Shopmobility service has been stopped until further notice.

Last updated: 1 month ago

Throughout this difficult time, supporting our residents remains the Council’s top priority.

Council Tax is collected and used to fund critical services being deployed to protect the public from the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). We’re relying on residents to keep paying their Council Tax so we can continue funding those services.

We do understand that the current situation will put an extra financial strain on some residents, in some cases causing real hardship. We’ll offer any assistance we can to help ease the pressure on a case by case basis.

There are a number of ways you can get help from the council and the government. These include:

If you can't afford your next monthly Council Tax payment please contact us.

We’ll prioritise demand by those most in need and if your query is urgent we’ll contact you as quickly as possible. If your query is not urgent please allow up to 28 days for a response.

The following service restrictions are in place until further notice:

  • We can't deal with or respond to any post.
  • We will only issue refunds by bank transfer (BACS).
  • We won't process any cheque or postal order payments. See our webpage for other ways to pay
  • We won't carry out any property inspections.

Please bear with us as we work through the exceptional number of customer enquiries we’ve received. We’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.

Last updated: 1 month ago

In order to support businesses who prepare food and supply chains for food retailers, the Government has relaxed some planning regulations. Click on a topic below to view the information in detail.

Pubs and restaurants operating as hot food takeaway outlets

The Government has relaxed permitted development regulations for 12 months so that pubs and restaurants can  operate as hot food takeaway outlets without needing permission for change of use. Find out more here.

The Council will not investigate any enforcement complaints against pubs and restaurants operating as a hot food takeaway premises. Owners of such businesses must notify the Local Planning Authority if they intend to change the use of their premise by emailing development_management@bathnes.gov.uk identifying your business name and address.

Additional licencing help
Operators of pubs and restaurants may still be subject to licencing laws and are encouraged to contact the Council’s licencing team by emailing licencing@bathnes.gov.uk

Delivery restrictions to retailers

The Government has relaxed restrictions on the times that deliveries can be made to shops. It is vital that deliveries of food, sanitary and other essential products over the coming weeks can be made as quickly and safely as possible. Find out more.

The Council will work with the retail sector to minimise the impacts on residents. However, minimising disruption to the supply chains on which our communities depend is vitally important so the Council will not take enforcement action that would affect deliveries of essential supplies. 

Last updated: 1 month ago
View details of how normal services may be affected

We continue to register and determine planning applications, and whilst there may be some delays due to restrictions and postal issues, decision making, enforcement investigations and planning policy work is continuing to operate. The following information shows you where we are having to work differently with the current restrictions.

New applications

Hard copy applications and cheques will take longer to process, and we urge everyone to submit plans and payments electronically if possible. We are currently unable to accept cash payments at One Stop Shops.

Applications already received may be subject to delays, and your case officer will be in touch to discuss this with you. 

Face-to-face meetings are not currently possible. However, we can offer conference calls or virtual meetings using online conferencing tools such as Skype. Please contact your Planning Officer to discuss this.

We are trying to reduce unnecessary travel, and as a result we are unable to post up site notices as we normally would. There is a legal requirement for this, so we are posting site notices to the applicant's address in the first instance. We request your support to put up the site notice and send us a photograph for our records. If a site notice cannot be put up, please let us know, and we will make alternative arrangements as soon as possible, so the full consultation process can be completed.   

Assessing applications

As a general principle, we are currently unable to make site visits. As a result, we may ask for your help in providing additional photographs and information, to allow us to make decisions without a site visit. In exceptional circumstances, officers will go out on site, where it is impossible to make a decision without a visit.  Where this involves entering properties, we will make appointments and a risk assessment, to ensure that both the public and our officers are safe. In rare circumstances, a site visit may still not be possible and we will discuss the implications of this with you. 

Our Planning Enforcement Team may occasionally make unannounced site visits, but we will still carry out risk assessments for these, to ensure the safety of the public and staff.

Last updated: 2 months ago

Public toilets - service disruption

Update June 2020: All our public toilets are open and available to use as normal. The only exception to this are the toilets within the locked playground at Royal Victoria Park, (although the facility at the rear of this block is open), and The Shallows in Saltford due to a collapsed drain.

Temporary facilities in Saltford are being installed on 4th June 2020. More details about public toilets.

Last updated: 2 months ago

During the current COVID-19 crisis, we have taken the decision to stop all cash payments at the self-serve kiosks in the One Stop Shops (at Lewis House in Bath, the Civic Centre in Keynsham and The Hollies in Midsomer Norton).

Other ways of making payments

You MUST quote a reference for payment (Invoice Number, Council Tax Account etc.)

  • Online
  • Automated Telephone Payments (ATP) on 0845 372 3501 or
  • Bank Transfer, Faster Payment, BACs using the account details below:
    • Bank: NatWest Bank
    • Sort Code: 56-00-34
    • Account number: 5713 4464
  • Postal cheques - quote reference on reverse and send to:
    • Lewis House
    • Manvers Street
    • Bath
    • BA1 1JG

If you need help to make a payment, please call us on 01225 39 40 41.