Occupation of a road in connection with building work
The Section 50 licence and private road opening permit processes provides a service that allows entry into the highway to install or replace apparatus already existing in the highway.
Without this process, Darlington Borough Council would be unable to ensure the quality of work taking place within the public highway or identify the location of apparatus within it.
This could lead to future Contractors working within the highway being placed at risk and could result in injury or damage to plant.
Who is it available to?
We will be grant you permission to enter into the public highway as long as you provide details in accordance with the requirements of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA):
- an accurate location plan providing the details of the apparatus and extent of works within the public highway
- payment of the road opening permit fee
- name and address of Contractor carrying out the works
- valid Supervisor and Operative Accreditation details as per NRSWA requirement
- evidence of valid Public Liability Insurance to a minimum of five million pounds
- proposed start of works date and duration of works
- name, address and signature of the Applicant
Section 50 Licence
If you would like to install apparatus beneath a road, verge or pavement (gas pipes, drainage connections, electric connections etc.) a S50 licence under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) will be required.
- Each application is charged at £550: more than one application and additional inspections fees may be required.
- Bond costs will be determined once full details have been submitted.
- Please note that a S50 licence has a 6 week lead time.
How can it be accessed?
You can apply by completing the online application form below.
Private Road Opening permit
If you require permission to work in the highway but do not intend to place any apparatus you will require a Private Road Opening Permit. The Highway Act 1980 and the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) provide the legislative framework for work being undertaken in the highway.
- Each road will require its own application and the are charged at £225.
- Bond costs will be determined once full details have been submitted.
How can it be accessed?
You can apply by completing the online application form below.
How do I make a payment?
In both instances an invoice will be issued for the appropriate fee and will be sent to the address provided for payment.
Further Information
Once you make an application, it will be checked to make sure all the necessary documentation is attached and the relevant sections have been completed correctly.
We will contact you to supply any missing information.
Observations
The details of your request will be assessed for issues/conflicts. Any conditions to be adhered to during your works will be added to your application.
On occasion, it may be necessary to contact you to discuss your works further and attempt to resolve any outstanding issues.
Issue Road Opening Permit
It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted.
If you’ve not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us by email with your application reference number at [email protected]