Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find a selection of questions that we are commonly asked by members of the public. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, either on this page or through the site search facility, you can also Contact Us.

Do you have a Planning Department?
Does Chesham have a market?
Where can I find out about Tree Preservation Orders?
Where can I find out about family history in Chesham?
Where can I get a bus pass?
Where can I get a senior railcard?
How do I get my Winter Fuel payment?
How do I report a pot hole?
My bins haven't been emptied. How do I get my rubbish collected?
Why hasn't my road been salted?
Why doesn't my road have a salt bin?
How do I report a faulty street lamp?

Do you have a Planning Department?
No. Whilst the town council has a Development Control Committee which comments on planning applications, the planning authority for Chesham is Chiltern District Council. The direct line for the Planning Department at Chiltern is 01494 732950.

Does Chesham have a market?
Yes, Chesham was granted its market charter by Henry III in 1257 and is proud to be a traditional Chilterns Market Town. You can find out more on our Chesham Market page.

Where can I find out about Tree Preservation Orders?
Tree Preservation Orders (or TPOs) are dealt with by Chiltern District Council. Visit the TPO page on their web site or contact them during normal office hours on 01494 729000.

Where can I found out about family history in Chesham?
The records for Chesham Cemetery (1858 to present day) are held at the Town Hall. For more information, see our cemetery pages. Chesham library has a small family history section in the study centre and also has free access to Ancestry.com. See their web site for details. The original parish registers for Chesham, and much more besides, are held at the Centre for Buckinghamshire Studies in Aylesbury. Visit their web site to find their location, opening hours and the records that they hold. Census, Birth, Marriage and Death information can also be accessed through various web sites. Visit the National Archives web site for a useful guide. The Buckinghamshire Family History Society is also a source of useful information.

Where can I get a bus pass?
Bus pass application forms are available in Chesham from the Town Hall. The forms are located on the Reception Desk. The bus pass scheme is administered by Chiltern District Council, based in Amersham and forms are also available from their council offices in King George V Road.

Where can I get a senior railcard?
If you are 60 or over, you are eligible for a railcard that entitles you to 1/3 off standard and first class fares. You can purchase your railcard online at www.senior-railcard.co.uk, at a staffed rail station ticket office (not at Chesham, Amersham or Little Chalfont stations) or through a National Rail licensed Travel Agent. You can also purchase your railcard over the phone on your nearest Train Company telesales number. Phone National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 (charged at local rate) for more information.

How do I get my Winter Fuel Payment?
Winter Fuel Payments are dealt with by the Pension Service. Access the Pension Service web site for more information.

How can I report a pot hole?
Contact Highways on Call (Bucks County Council), either on 0845 230 2882 or report a fault online at Highways On Call.

My bins haven't been emptied. How can I get my rubbish collected?
Contact Chiltern District Council's Refuse and Recycling Department on 01494 732053.

Why hasn't my road been salted?
Salting (also known as gritting) is the responsibility of Buckinghamshire County Council. The roads in Chesham that will be salted both to prevent ice and to treat ice are listed in a prioritised schedule drawn up by the county council. Contact the county council for more information on 0845 230 2882 or visit their Highways On Call web site.

Why doesn't my road have a salt bin?
Buckinghamshire County Council no longer provides salt bins free of charge. However, they will fill up bins once they have been purchased by members of the public, or local organisations (e.g. residents' associations). Contact the county council for more information on 0845 230 2882.

How do I report a faulty street lamp?
Faulty street lamps in Chesham are dealt with by Buckinghamshire County Council. It would help if you can tell them the street lamp number; you can usually see this marked in white on the lamp column. Contact 0845 230 2882 to report it, or visit their Highways On Call web site.