Section 50 Licence and Trial Holes application

Document checklist & information required

Before submitting your application you must have these documents ready to upload (preferably as PDF files)

• Copies of accreditation ID badges for operatives (front & back)
• Copy of Public Liability Insurance certificate
• Copy of S106 agreement or any other agreement with Utility provider
• Site Plan
• Locality Plan

Also ensure you know:

• Who the owner of the apparatus will be (this must be the landowner benefitting from the apparatus)
• The diameter and materials of the apparatus being laid (or specific cable if electric)
• The length of apparatus in the Highway
• The type of traffic management that will be used

You must read the Guidance Notes for Applicants  before submitting your form. This details the responsibilities of the Licensee.

Online Section 50 application form 

Guidance Notes for Section 50 application 

Online Trial Holes application form 

Guidance Notes for Trial Holes application 

Why do I need one?

Statutory undertakers, gas, electric, water and telecommunications, have a right to open any part of the highway (subject to due notification to the Highway Authority) in order to install or maintain their equipment in publicly maintainable highways.

This right to excavate the highway can be extended to any private individual, developer or contractor on application to the Highway Authority for a Street Works Licence, which grants temporary authority to excavate the highway during the duration of those works.

The licence holder can be fined if they fail to meet the statutory duties imposed by the New Roads and Streetworks Act (NRSWA).

How long will it take?

Applicants must give a total of 28 days notification to the Local Authority to allow processing time for the licence.

The processing and granting of your approval may take some time but we will acknowledge receipt of your application within five working days. If you have not heard from us within 7 working days, please contact us using the contact details on the Street Works page

How much will it cost?

• There is a fee of £582.80 for up to 200m length on new apparatus.
• There is a fee of £289.20 for repairs onto existing apparatus or for excavation only works.
• There is a fee of £123.60 for trial holes.
• There is an additional fee of £150 per additional 200m length of Highway.
• All Fees are 0% VAT.