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Service disruptions

Last updated: 19 hours ago

NHS staff, health and social care workers and NHS volunteers are encouraged to apply via your employer for a new government national parking pass, so you 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: 19 hours ago

From Monday 1 March 2021, all electric vehicle charging points in our car parks will charge for electricity, on a pay as you charge basis.

Revive charge points

Connection fee costs £1.50 for rapid chargers (the fastest units) and 50p for fast chargers (the slower units), then 30p per KWH.

Pod Point charge points

Costs 31p per KWH and there is no connection fee.

Last updated: 2 days ago

Call our main office for all bookings and urgent enquiries on 01225 47 72 34 (9am to 3.45pm, Monday to Friday), or email us for non-urgent enquiries at register_office@bathnes.gov.uk and we will aim to get back to you within two working days.

If you have an appointment at the Guildhall, please download the Test and Trace app and scan the QR code at the entrance.

Births

Birth registrations are face-face appointments at the Guildhall, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton. Book an appointment to register a birth which took place in Bath and North East Somerset online, or call us. Visit our web page for more details

Marriages and civil partnerships

Due to the new national lockdown, all ceremonies are postponed until further notice - unless there are exceptional circumstances, due to ill health for example. These must only take place with a maximum of 6 people where the ceremony can be delivered safely in COVID-19 secure venues (this includes the couple, witnesses and guests, but those working, such as registration officials and venue managers, are not included).

You can change your ceremony date free of charge with us - please speak to your venue or email us at register_office@bathnes.gov.uk. You can also contact us (details above) to apply to reduce the waiting period (if needed).

Deaths

Death registrations are temporarily being taken over the telephone. Visit our web page for more details

Citizenship

Citizenship ceremonies take place on Thursday mornings at 10am. To book a ceremony, call us on 01225 47 72 34 (9am to 3.45pm, Monday to Friday). You can also book a private or virtual ceremony at other times for a fee of £120.

European settlement checking is postponed, but our European partners and their European and non- European family members can still apply for settled and pre-settled status on the GOV.UK website

Last updated: 4 days ago

Public toilets - service disruption

Update December 2020

The following toilets are experiencing disruption:

  • Larkhall - toilet facility next to the adjoining shop ‘Leak’ is closed during lockdown (due to shop closure)
  • Lansdown Park & Ride – both toilets are out of service whilst repairs are carried out to the pumphouse
  • The Shalows, Saltford – currently closed due to a collapsed drain
Last updated: 1 week ago

If you're a Personal Assistant (PA) who provides care and support to people in their own homes (employed or self-employed), where you come within 2m of them, you can now get regular weekly testing for COVID-19.

This test is called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, and you can order a month’s supply of PCR test kits every 28 days to be delivered directly to you, so you can carry out weekly testing at home.

Webinars

Further guidance about you can order tests, how to conduct testing and what the results mean will be covered in a series of webinars which you can sign up for on GOV.UK

Webinar dates:

  • Friday 19 February 2021 at 1pm
  • Thursday 25 February 2021 at 4pm
  • Wednesday 3 March 2021 at 4pm

If you're already part of a regular national testing programme through your employer or another organisation (for example, through the homecare, or extra care and supported living testing programme), please continue with it.

Visit GOV.UK for guidance on infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and availability of free PPE

Last updated: 1 week ago

Following the latest government announcement, our Libraries (Bath Central, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton) are now open for collecting items you have reserved, from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Reserve an item on the LibrariesWest website

If you don't have access to LibrariesWest
Call Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41 (select option 5) and tell our library staff which items (maximum of 10) you want to reserve and your library card number. We will let you know when your items are ready to be collected.

Use of computers

From Monday 8 February we are able to offer a limited number of computers for use by customers at Bath Central Library. You will be able to use a computer for up to 30 minutes, and you don't need to book in advance.

You must clean the computer before and after use, and we will provide the cleaning materials. Our staff are not able to assist you with any printing or technical queries, and if you experience problems with printing we are not able to offer any refunds.

View our COVID-safe protocols

  • Limited number of people entering our libraries at any one time
  • Public computers and self-study areas are closed
  • Return books through designated drop-boxes on the ground floor of Bath Central Library, and at the entrances of Keynsham and Midsomer Norton libraries
  • You must follow social distancing protocols, use the hand sanitisers provided and wear a face covering in our libraries (unless you have a special exemption, in line with the latest government guidance on face coverings)

Access our virtual library

You can still access our e-Books, e-Audiobooks, e-Magazines and e-Newspapers, and check out our social media for updates on what we are doing to deliver services to you. Visit our digital facilities and resources web page for more details.

Visit our blog or one of our social media channels:
Facebook: bathneslibraries
Instagram: bathnes_libraries
Twitter: BathnesL

Logging on to LibrariesWest

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

Community run libraries

To find reopening details for each of the independent community run libraries, you will need to check their individual website or Facebook page. You can find a your local community library on our website.

Last updated: 4 weeks ago

Bath and recycling centre

Book an appointment online before you visit Bath recycling centre, 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.

Midsomer Norton recycling centre

Book an appointment online before you visit Midsomer Norton recycling centre, otherwise you will be turned away.

Asbestos disposal between 1 February 2021 and 11 February 2021

A new weighbridge is being installed at Midsomer Norton recycling centre between 1 February 2021 and 11 February 2021. Please avoid this area whilst contractors carry out these works, and book any asbestos disposal at Bath or Keynsham recycling centre instead, as we won't be accepting asbestos bookings during this time at Midsomer Norton, due to asbestos bins being too close to the weighbridge.

Call us on 01225 39 40 41 to book your asbestos disposal.

Keynsham recycling centre

Keynsham recycling centre is open, but please read the Keynsham recycling centre web page before you visit.

Last updated: 1 month ago

Due to COVID-19, we're currently holding school admissions appeal meetings online via Zoom. We will send you instructions on the process if you make an appeal.

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 PCN number for payment.

  • Online
  • Automated Telephone Payments (ATP) on 0300 456 0632 or
  • 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.

Last updated: 1 month ago

Following the latest government announcement, our One Stop Shops are still open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, offering the following services (following COVID secure protocols):

  • Help with general enquiries
  • Issue of Welfare Support Vouchers
  • Self-service telephones (for access to council services, welfare support and Citizens Advice)
  • Self-service payment kiosk (taking card payments only)
  • Issue of Diamond Travel Cards
  • Purchase of garden waste sacks

All other facilities and partner services are suspended.

Bath One Stop Shop will provide support to buy a parking permit, but you can also buy a parking permit online.

Keynsham and Midsomer Norton One Stop Shops will also run pre-booked Registrar appointments.

Last updated: 1 month ago

The Mobile Library is suspended until further notice, whilst we find the best way to deliver this service in a COVID secure manner.

Last updated: 2 months 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: 2 months 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: 2 months 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: 2 months 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.

Extensions on planning permission, and Additional Environmental Approval applications

Where you have gained planning permission for a development, but haven't been able to implement it due to the Coronavirus outbreak, you may be able to get an extension of the date that the permission will lapse. In some cases, you will need to apply for Additional Environmental Approval for your development, in order to gain extended planning permission. 

Last updated: 2 months 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: 2 months 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: 2 months 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: 2 months 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: 2 months ago
View details of how normal regulations may be affected

The government has amended the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 through the Community Infrastructure Levy (Coronavirus) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020 to give authorities discretion, for a limited period, to defer CIL payments for small and medium sized developers (those with an annual turnover of less than £45 million) without having to impose additional costs on them. The regulations came into force on 22 July 2020. For a detailed explanation please visit the Gov.UK website.

Last updated: 2 months ago

We are doing our very best to keep our residents safe from COVID-19, and realise how difficult it is for families not being able to have contact with their loved ones during the lockdown. However, we can consider arranging individual visits for you, if you feel a telephone or Zoom call isn't working. 

If your loved one is a resident in one of our care homes, call the relevant care home manager who will be able to discuss this further with you.

Last updated: 2 months ago

Our registration service is currently operating from the Guildhall, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton, but our offices at the RUH are closed until further notice. Please wear a face-covering if you attend an appointment or if you are a guest at a ceremony.

Last updated: 2 months ago

Our Bright Start Children’s Centre Services continue to operate. While adhering to relevant national and local Coronavirus restrictions, our Children's Centres (Bath Children and Family Centre, St Martin’s, Bath, Radstock and Keynsham) remain open to provide family support, health visiting and social care services. 

Our Family Support Workers are working with many families on a one-to-one basis whilst observing social distancing measures. We are delivering many of our courses virtually online. We are currently planning alternatives to our regular support groups – ‘Play & Explore Together’ and ‘Little Explorers’.

Health Visitor Baby & Toddler Hubs are offering an appointment service for Health Visiting teams contacts.

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.

Email: brightstartcc@bathnes.gov.uk, or go to our Facebook page for latest information.

Last updated: 4 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 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: 4 months 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: 4 months 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: 4 months ago

The Shopmobility service has been stopped until further notice.

Last updated: 4 months 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: 4 months 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: 8 months 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.