Licence to work on the highway

If want to work on the highway, a licence will be required and approved by us to ensure that works are co-ordinated and carried our safely.

There are different licences and agreements required depending on the nature of the works.

Permit application

Street works permit applications are the national agreed standard and the mechanism for all utility companies to apply for approval to underwork within the highway. We have an agreed permit scheme (PDF, 803KB) in place.

Section 50 licence

This licence is required to dig up or store apparatus in the public highway.

Section 171 licence

This licence is required for any minor excavation works or modifications to the public highway or storing of materials. It is also required for booking road space for activities such as tree felling or hedge cutting.

Section 38 agreement

A Section 38 Agreement is a legally binding document between the Council and a developer where the developer wishes to have the newly constructed roads adopted by the Council.

Section 278 agreement

A Section 278 Agreement is a legally binding document between the Council and a developer which allows the developer to alter the public highway to suit a new development. A Section 50 or Section 171 will also be required for undertaking the works.