Permits and licences

Excavating the public highway (section 50)

If you want to excavate in the public highway (footway/carriageway/verge) and you're not working on behalf of a statutory undertaker, then you must get a Section 50 licence.

How to apply

Application form

Supporting information

In order for your application to be processed, you must also provide:

• plans of utility apparatus from: suppliers of electricity, water and gas, Virgin Media, Sewers and BT. These should be dated within the last month
• proof of your Public Liability Insurance, for a minimum of £5 million
• proof of Supervisors Streetworks accreditation and operatives confined space accreditation
• Risk assessment and method statement (RAMS)
• any applicable Traffic Management Plans
• plans clearly showing the work area
• the application number of any associated planning applications
• approval documents from the relevant utility if connecting onto their apparatus

Your application may be delayed if you do not send all the requested information.

Email your completed application and the requested documents to section50@stockport.gov.uk.

Fees

The fee must be paid to the council before we'll issue the licence. This will be arranged once we receive your application.

Type 1: £525 for works undertaken on the public highway not involving the installation or connection of apparatus under the highway

Type 2: £717 for works undertaken on the public highway involving installation or connection of the underground apparatus

Type 3: £1,924 for works undertaken to install or erect structures on the public highway

Variation fees

Any amendments required once a valid licence has been issued (for example: changes to dates, traffic management arrangements, or extension requests) need to be agreed with the Streetworks Officer in advance and will be subject to a fee of £50.