Environment and Planning

Welcome to Mendip's Environment and Planning pages.

Please choose from the A-Z list below.

2011 Census

2011 Census: Sunday, 27 March 2011. Help tomorrow take shape.

We have a duty to remove a vehicle that has been abandoned on any land in the open air or the highway and recharge its owner for the removal and disposal. Abandoned vehicles are dealt with by us, however reports are regularly made to the police.

Acupuncture, Tattooing, Ear-piercing and Electrolysis Registration

Licences for registration of persons and premises for acupuncture, tattooing, ear-piercing and electrolysis.

Air Quality - Review and Assessment

The national air quality targets were devised in 1997 to ensure that the public is not exposed to elevated concentrations of specified pollutants. The pollutants include: benzene (C6H6), carbon monoxide (CO), 1,3 - butadiene (C4H6), lead (Pb), NO2, PM10, SO2, and ozone (O3). If concentrations of any of these pollutants may be elevated, they will be investigated further.

Allotment

Allotment information.

Animal Boarding Establishment Licence

Under the Animal Boarding Establishment Act, the Licensing Section undertakes the licensing of animal boarding establishments within the Mendip area.

Authorisation of Hypnotism

If you wish to show, demonstrate or perform a hypnotism act in public, you must have authorisation from the local authority in England and Wales.

Building Control - Demolitions

If you are planning to carry out demolition work you may need to let us know before you start.

Building Control - Party Wall etc. Act 1996

The Act came into force on 1st July 1997. It provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings.

Building Regulation Inspections

For any work done in the Mendip district for which a Building Regulation Application has been made, one of our Building Control Officers will carry out all necessary inspections on site.

Building Regulations - Apply for Approval

If you need Building Regulations consent, there are two ways of applying for it. This service will help you to understand your choices, and to start making your application.

Building Regulations - Charges

This page shows the fees chargeable for applications under the Building Regulations.

Building Regulations - Exempt Buildings

Not all building work requires a Building Regulation application. The main categories of exempt buildings and work are listed here.

Building Regulations - Regularisation Certificate

It is quite common for alterations or extensions undertaken without building regulation approval to cause difficulties when you are selling a house. However, you can now apply to building control for a Regularisation Certificate for work undertaken after 11th November 1985 which may help you with this.

Buildings at Risk

There are almost 3000 listed buildings in the Mendip District Council area. Whilst the majority are well maintained, there are buildings that are at considered to be 'at risk' through neglect or decay, or vulnerable to becoming so. The main purpose of Mendip District Council's Building at Risk Register is as a working tool, helping to illustrate the number of properties 'at risk' within the District and to keep attention focussed upon them.

Burials and Cremations - Burials

Mendip District Council provides cemeteries in the following location:

Street (Cemetery Lane)
Shepton Mallet (Waterloo Road)
Frome (Warminster Road)

Car Parks - Excess Charge Notice

Mendip District Council issues excess charge notice in car parks only and does not operate any on Street Parking Schemes.

Community Planning and the Sustainable Community Strategy

Community Safety - Anti Social Behaviour

Mendip District Council works with a number of agencies to tackle serious Anti Social Behaviour in the district.

Conservation Areas

Advice on Conservation Areas within the Mendip District Council area.

Consultation on Mendip's Statement of Licensing Policy

Mendip must have a statement of licensing policy. It is now consulting on a draft of its second such document.

Cooling Tower Notification

All premises where cooling towers and evaporative condensers are situated must register with the local authority under The Notification of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers Regulations 1992.

Crime Prevention - Town Centre

Mendip District Council work with other agencies to strengthen the support of important initiatives in our major settlements and their rural hinterlands.

Dead Animals on Road

We provide a free service for the removal of dead animals from all public accessible areas.

Development Control - Service Standards

The council is responsible for the delivery of Statutory Planning Functions determining applications and appeals together with range of pre-submission and advisory work to developers and the general public under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Acts. The service assist in the delivery of housing and regeneration projects through major planning schemes and also delivers non statutory areas such as the enforcement service.

Dog Warden Service

The Dog Warden will help you if you lose your dog, and works to prevent stray dogs from causing danger in traffic or a nuisance to people. In particular, the service aims to deal with problems caused by irresponsible dog ownership.

Dog Waste Bins

Dog waste bins, usually green or red, are for use by the public to dispose of any dog waste.

Dogs - Fouling

The Dog (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 came into force on 1st May 1997. This Act means you are legally obliged to clear up after your dog if it fouls any land which is open to the air, and to which the public have access. Remember that contact with dog excrement can lead to blindness, from an infection called Toxocara canis.

Draft Frome Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Proposals

Section 69 the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 requires local planning authorities to designate as Conservation Areas any 'areas of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance'. The definition of an area's special interest is derived from an assessment of the elements that contribute to (and detract from) it. This assessment generally takes the form of a Conservation Area Appraisal, produced by the Local Planning Authority and then endorsed by the Planning Board as a material consideration in determining planning applications.

Draft Rode Conservation Area Appraisal

Draft Street Conservation Area Appraisal

Drainage - House

Mendip only has responsibility for drainage from its own property such as car parks and certain public buildings but it may assist in certain problem cases.

Drainage Defects and Non-Mains Sewerage

The investigation of private drainage problems (including septic tanks and cesspools) is carried out by the Service and may on occasion require the enforcement of legislation in order to ensure that defective systems are repaired.

Duty Planner Service

East Pennard Conservation Area Appraisal

Environmental Health

The service aims to protect the environment and to improve the health of Mendip residents through education, inspection, monitoring and enforcement of legislation. The sections responsible for providing this service are Environmental Protection, Licensing, Public Protection and Waste and Recycling.

Environmental Health, Licensing - Service Standards

The Licensing Team is responsible for administering and enforcing various licensing and registration requirements set down in law. Our licensing responsibilities include:- taxis, pubs, nightclubs, village halls, sex shops, street collections, and riding establishments.

Flood Risk Assessments - Planning Application Summary Guidance

This summary guidance has been produced by the Environment Agency Wessex Area to assist applicants in applying national flood risk policy outlined in Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25).

Food Inspections

The frequency of food inspections to a premises is based on an officers assessment of the food safety risks.

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning or more generally food-borne disease can be an unpleasant illness. Typically symptoms included vomiting, diarrohea, stomach cramps and fever.

Food Premises Registration

Food businesses are required by law to register with their local authority.

Food Safety Complaints

Food complaints will only be investigated where there is a risk to public health.

Food Safety For Food Businesses

The Council is responsible for ensuring satisfactory hygiene conditions and practices are maintained in over 1000 businesses with in the district.

Foot and Mouth

Information about Foot and Mouth Disease

Gambling Act 2005

The Gambling Act 2005 regulates the provision of all gambling in the UK.

Graffiti

Removal of Graffiti from Council owned property.

Grounds Maintenance - Grass Cutting

Grounds Maintenance - Grass Cutting.

Guide to the Determination of Planning Applications

This guide sets out the process for the determination of planning applications.

Health and Safety Risk Assessments

The effective management of risk is central to providing a safe and healthy workplace. There is a legal requirement for all employers to assess the risks to their workers and any others who may be affected by their work activities.

Hedgerow Regulations

The 1997 Hedgerows Regulations control the removal of important hedgerows.

Heritage Conservation Section

The Heritage Conservation section is part of the Regeneration Service and is responsible for providing professional advice to the council's Development Control teams on listed building consent applications and on planning applications affecting listed buildings and their settings, conservation areas and historic landscapes. It also provides pre-application guidance and design advice to developers and owners of listed buildings.

Heritage Guidance

Advice on Conservation and Design Issues in the Mendip District Council Area.

Heritage Matters

This a free newsletter for all listed building owners or tenants. It is produced by South Somerset District Council and is distributed to other parts of Somerset with the help of funding from Mendip District, West Somerset District and Somerset County Councils. We hope that you find Heritage Matters interesting and useful. We intend to publish it twice a year and we welcome suggestions for topics that you would like to see covered. The latest editions of the newsletter can be downloaded from the Publications section.

Historic Buildings at Risk - Success Stories

There are almost 3000 listed buildings in the Mendip District Council area. Whilst the majority are well maintained, there are buildings that are at considered to be 'at risk' through neglect or decay, or vulnerable to becoming so. This Success Stories document highlights all of the buildings removed from the Buildings at Risk Register since 2001, many of which have been benefited from Historic Building Grant Aid from Mendip District Council.

Historic Buildings at Risk Register

How to Submit a Planning Application

This enables you to submit an application electronically through the Planning Portal or download forms to print for your own use. From 6th April 2008 these are mandatory forms and all previous forms cannot be accepted.

Infectious Diseases

Some infectious diseases not spread by the consumption of contaminated food or water are investigated by this council.

Is Planning Permission Required - Business?

This page will help you to ascertain whether or not you will need planning permission for a business-related proposal and, if you do, the procedures which then follow.

Licence Fees Table 2009/ 2010 (excluding Licensing Act 2003)

Licence Fees Table 2009/ 2010 (only under Licensing Act 2003)

The table shows the fees charged by the Licensing Department charged under the Licensing Act 2003.

Licences - Hackney Carriage (Taxi)

Licensing of taxis

Licences - Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence

The Council licences persons who are deemed to be 'fit and proper' to be hackney carriage / private hire vehicle drivers.

Licences - Private Hire Vehicle

Licensing of private hire vehicles referred to as 'minicabs'.

Licensing Act 2003

The Licensing Act 2003.

Licensing Department

The Council is responsible for administering and enforcing certain licences and registrations.

Light Pollution

In April 2006, The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 added a new section to the definition of Statutory Nuisance, to include “artificial light emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance" Specifically excluded from the Act is light emitted from premises such as goods vehicle operating centres, railway and bus stations, or prisons, where lighting is required for reasons of safety and security.

Listed Buildings

Buildings which represent the best of the nation's historic and architectural built heritage are Listed by the Department of Culture Media and Sport under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, on advice from English Heritage. Listed buildings are a finite and irreplaceable asset. The District Council has a statutory duty to ensure that Listed Buildings, their settings and any features of special architectural or historic interest which they possess are preserved.

Local Development Framework

We are now working on the Local Development Framework (LDF) one of the key plans which will guide change in Mendip over the next 20 years.

Local Land Charges

Local Land Charges provides an efficient and accurate service to Solicitors, Agents and members of the public requesting Search Applications against Residential/Commercial properties and land within Mendip.

Local Land Charges - Personal Search

If you want to look at the Local Land Charge Register yourself and you do not need to obtain an official search certificate, you can ask to carry out a personal search provided you pay a fee of £22 for this service.

Local Listing

Make a Planning Application

This enables you to download an application form, complete a form electronically and print it off or submit a planning application on-line through the Planning Portal. You can also find out how planning applications are determined.

Mapping Advice

Please note that Mendip District Council is currently licensed to use Ordnance Survey mapping for its own, internal, business needs and not to supply maps to members of the public or external organisations for their own use.

Memorial Safety Checks in Mendip Cemeteries

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires councils to ensure that memorials are safe and so reduce the potential for injury to those working in or visiting its cemeteries.

Mendip District Local Plan

The Council adopted and published the Mendip District Local Plan on 19th December 2002. It can be viewed on this website, or purchased as a CD or printed version, through Customer Services.

Mendip Local Biodiversity Action Plan

Mendip District Council adopted the Mendip Local Biodiversity Plan in November 2009.

Motor Salvage Operator's Registration

Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking Water

All bottled water producers are governed by strict national and European laws to protect consumers. All bottled waters are required to comply with The Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking Water (England) Regulations 2007.

Neighbourhood Services

The Neighbourhood Services Group works with a range of partners and agencies to deliver services, for further information please visit the relevant useful page.

Norton St Philip Conservation Area Appraisal

Personal Licence

A personal licence is required for a qualified individual to run premises where alcohol is sold.

Pest Control

The Council provides a service to assist the public in the control and possible extermination of pests and other wildlife as deemed necessary.

Planning

The planning system controls land development and usage. Use our Planning Applications Search facility to find out about planning applications.

Planning - How We Deal With Planning Applications

This guide explains and clarifies the decision making process on planning matters.

Planning - Weekly List of Planning Applications Decided

This page will enable you to view lists of planning applications decided in any particular week.

Planning - Weekly List of Planning Applications Received

This page will enable you to view lists of planning applications received in any particular week.

Planning Application Validation Requirements - Consultation on Changes

Planning Decisions

A number of levels of administration from the individual citizen to central government and the courts can become involved in deciding planning applications. However, the local planning authority alone deals with most of them.

Planning Fees

Pleasure Boats

To hire out water-bound pleasure crafts (including sailboards, rowing boats, canoes, motor boats, pedallos and larger boats) that are for personal use or carrying passengers, you need a licence. You must not carry more passengers than you are licensed to carry.

Premises Licences

Where a premises or place is to be used for licensable activities to take place a premises licence must be in force

Public Conveniences

Mendip District Council provide public conveniences in all major towns in the district.

Radon

Environmental Protection provides details of likely radon levels within residential buildings..

Refuse and Recycling - Bulky Waste Collection Service

If you have a large item such as a piece of furniture or a fridge that you wish to dispose of we offer a Bulky Collection Service at a charge.

Refuse and Recycling - Clinical Waste Collections

The Council provides a clinical waste collection to private households.

Refuse and Recycling - Garden Waste Collection Service

The garden waste collection service is available to all properties across Mendip.

Refuse and Recycling - Hazardous Waste

Handling of hazardous waste

Refuse and Recycling - Household Waste Recycling Centres

Where to find your local household waste recycling centre.

Refuse and Recycling - Kerbside Collections

The Council is now offering 100% recycling coverage for all domestic properties in the district

Refuse and Recycling - New / Replacement Boxes

If your kerbside box or foodwaste caddy has been lost, stolen or you believe that you should have one please inform us by using the contact details below. (Your new box will be delivered to you on your next collection day).

Refuse and Recycling - Waste Collection Service for Food

Details about the food waste collection service operated accross the district

Scheme of Delegation for Planning

Search for a Planning Application

From here you can search for a planning application, comment on an application which you have been consulted on, view weekely lists of applications registered and decided and view a calendar of planningboard meetings

Search for Planning Advice

This enables you to obtain general advice on a range of planning issues.

Sex Establishment and Cinema Licence

If you wish to run a sex shop or sex cinema you may need a licence to do so.

Shepton Mallet Conservation Area Appraisal

Smokefree - Health Act 2006

From 1 July 2007, England goes Smokefree. This means that smoking will no longer be allowed in workplaces and public places that are 'enclosed' or 'substantially enclosed'. In addition the legislation will also mean that smoking will no longer be allowed on public transport or in vehicles used for work by more than one person. The reason why the law has been introduced is to protect the public and employees from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

South West Planning Aid

South West Planning Aid provides free, independent and impartial advice on town planning matters to community groups and individuals throughout the South West who cannot afford to pay for a professional advisor.

Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment - 2nd Review

Street Collection Licence

Street collections and house to house collections may not be done without prior permission from the Council.

Temporary Events Notices

Temporary Event Notices (TENs) can be used to authorise relatively small-scale ad hoc events held in or on any premises involving no more than 499 people at any one time. The premises user (event organiser) must, no later than 10 working days before the day on which the event is to start, give duplicate copies of the notice to the council, together with the fee of £21. A copy of the notice must also be given to the relevant chief officer of police no later than 10 working days before the day on which the event is to start.

Time to Plan: Archived Documents

Tree Surgeons List

Trees and Hedgerows - Planning

You can obtain a range of advice about tree works, trees on development sites and hedgerows including complaints about a high hedge.

Trees in Conservation Areas

This section provides information about trees in conservation areas.

Trees on Development Sites

This provides information about trees on tree develoment sites.

Village Design Statements

The Design Statements for Priddy Parish and Holcombe, endorsed by the Council in January 2006, are a material planning consideration. Their recommendations will be taken into account when assessing local planning applications.

Water Quality

A water supply can either be a Public Supply (Mains) or a Private Supply.

Weekly Lists of Planning Applications Registered and Decided

A weekly list of planning applications registered and decided.

William Stansell Somerset Building Preservation Trust Awards 2008

The awards are aimed at raising the standards for design and construction of new buildings and for the alteration, conversion or repair of historic buildings in the County. The awards also demonstrate the positive contribution that well designed and sensitively conserved buildings make to their surroundings.

Environment and Planning

Useful Websites

Useful pages