Apply for permission to open up the highway

A Section 50 Licence authorises private individuals and contractors to lay new apparatus or maintain existing apparatus in the adopted public highway.

To obtain a licence, please complete the below Section 50 Licence and return to the email address on the form.

What is apparatus?

• Lay new services - for example, gas, water or electric cables
• Sewer connections / private drainage repairs / manhole chambers / inspection chambers

 Cost

• Major (11 days or longer): £1735
• Standard (between 4-10 days): £895
• Minor/immediate (1-3 days): £475

Road opening permit

Under the Highways Act 1980 Sections 171 & 184, anyone who needs to excavate in the adopted public highway, can apply for a licence by completing the below form. 

 Cost

• Major (11 days or longer): £1735
• Standard (between 4-10 days): £895
• Minor/immediate (1-3 days): £475