Streetworks Licence (Section 50)

Installation of private apparatus (Section 50)

A Section 50 licence allows a private individual to place or maintain apparatus in the highway. It may be needed for works to private drains and sewers as well as private gas, electricity and water services.

A licence can run for a limited period time, or for an undetermined period. If the duration is undetermined, the landowner is responsible for ensuring that the licence is amended if their land is sold to another party.

There are many types of apparatus and structures that may be required within the highway. Any reasonable request will be considered provided sufficient detail about the apparatus or structure is provided on application. Examples of apparatus that may be licensed include:

• Private Drains/Sewers
• Private Gas
• Private Electricity
• Private Water
• Private Communication Services
• Private Drainage
• Ramps
• Guardrails
• Bollards

It is worth noting that the highway authority in all cases has the right to refuse the granting of a licence where it is perceived that highway users may be unnecessarily disrupted, obstructed or safety compromised. We also have a duty to ensure that the highway infrastructure is not compromised by the placing of apparatus within it. This is our statutory duty and as a result we may:

• Request an alternative construction method
• Request an alternative location or design
• Restrict the timing of works
• Refuse the application even after alternative options are submitted

When applying for a Streetworks Licence

When completing the application form, please ensure you have the following information to hand as this will also need to be included for your application to be considered:

• payment required at application stage
• consult with Streetworks@stoke.gov.uk  if works are connected to a new development (if applicable)
• provide a Section 106 agreement if works are new sewer connections (if applicable)
• provide a detailed plan of proposal clearly showing the proposed location (and route if applicable)
• provide 1:500 min scale plan of proposed new apparatus (if applicable)
• provide a copy of your company’s registration or official letterhead
• provide a copy of your Public Liability Insurance for £10 million cover (minimum)
• obtain plans of all utilities plant and submit copies to this department
• provide copies of Supervisor/Ganger and Operatives NRSWA cards
• provide a Method Statement if works involve excavation depths of over 1.5m (if applicable)
• complete traffic management application form (if applicable)
• provide a comprehensive Traffic/Pedestrian Management Plan complying to Chapter 8 of Highways Act (if applicable).

It is also a requirement of the applicant to notify all organisations with an interest in the highway including statutory undertakers, the police and emergency services of the proposal to ascertain objections, special requirements and the location of existing apparatus.

A licence does not constitute approval for any works to take place in the highway. The actual works associated to the licence must be applied for under Section 171 of the Highways Act 1980 (temporary excavations) permit to dig must be granted before any works commence. Any work done prior to this will constitute an illegal opening of the highway for which there is a fine of up to £1,000.

Fees:

The following fees may apply for this licence type:

Application fees

Rejected / Cancellation fee

Unlicensed activity