Apply for a licence to place building materials on a highway

When will you need this licence?

  • You will need a licence if you wish to place building materials on the public highway. A licence is required even if the placement is temporary.

It is an offence under Section 171 of the Highways Act 1980 to place building materials on the public highway without a licence. If you do not get a licence or follow the licence rules you will be prosecuted.

If materials are placed on the public highway, they should be placed on the carriageway, rather than the footway. 

Any damage caused to the highway will be recharged to the licence holder. A licence is not required if building materials are placed on private land.

Before you start

To apply for a licence to place building materials on a highway you need to:

Download an application

What happens next

We will contact you about how you can complete your payment once we receive your application.

Fees for a licence to place building materials on a highway

For a licence covering an area of up to 10 square metres, the following charges apply:

  • £137.80 - for a new application that covers the first month. 
  • £124.20 per month - for each month including renewals. 
  • £695.80 deposit - Refundable if there are no damage costs, or clearances required by the council.