S50 Works

Contact us about your S50 application

If you need help with your Section 50 Application, contact us today.

your Section 50 application

EPS Trenchless Installations want to make the whole process from start to finish smooth sailing for all our customers, so we offer a service for handling all Section 50 notice applications for highway works with Local Authorities (LA) Our service includes obtaining and completing the Section 50 application form, submitting it to the relevant authorities and diligently monitoring the progress of these applications on your behalf, all while keeping you informed every step of the way, until complete.

By overseeing the entire application process, we would require minimal input from our customers, which we believe will save precious time and minimum input by relieving the burden of locating and completing the required forms and making sure that the LA issues quick approval when necessary. Our service also becomes beneficial when there’s a need for multiple applications across diverse sites.

If your work takes place on private land, you won’t require a licence.

Our service fee applies, plus along with disbursements from the council, which is confirmed by email before going forward. Call for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Section 50

A Section 50 licence, required by the New Roads and Street Works Act, is a legal permit required for conducting specified works within the public highway. This includes the installation or maintenance of infrastructure like new utility cables, sewer connections, or boundary wall foundations. You need to get this licence from your local council or road authority before you can dig up the road, pavements, or verges. Failure to comply with Section 50 licensing regulations is against the law and could result in legal consequences.

1. The main goal of issuing Section 50 notices is to notify all concerned parties beforehand about planned works that could impact the public highway or street. This notification serves several purposes:

2. Facilitating coordination with local authorities and statutory undertakers to reduce disruption to the public and avoid conflicts with existing infrastructure.

3. Demonstrating adherence to legal requirements and regulatory obligations outlined in the New Road and Street Works Act 1991.

4. Fostering transparency and open communication with relevant stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and government agencies.

Contractors planning roadwork excavations must get a Section 50 licence from the local council before starting any works in the public highway.

Section 50 licences are unnecessary for works conducted on private land. However, if your works intersect or are close to an existing sewer, you may need a ‘build over agreement’.

To facilitate the processing of your application, we require the following:

1. Site location and comprehensive details regarding the intended works, including what needs to be done, when the work will commence, how it will be executed, and the expected duration.

2.Copies of the Streetworks Accreditation cards for all operatives and the site supervisor, along with your Public Liability Insurance certificate.

3. Please complete a straightforward form that will assist you in providing all the necessary information required for us to proceed with the application on your behalf. This form ensures we have all the essential details to expedite the application process effectively.

We charge a fixed fee of £150.00+VAT for each Section 50 licence application. Additionally, councils impose their own fees for processing and issuing licences, which vary widely depending on the council. Our experience indicates that these fees range from £191.00 (Blackpool Council) to £1,230.00 (Buckinghamshire Council).

We handle the payment of the council’s fee on your behalf and invoice you for this amount, along with our fee, once the licence has been issued.

A Section 50 licence, required by the New Roads and Street Works Act, is a legal permit required for conducting specified works within the public highway. This includes the installation or maintenance of infrastructure like new utility cables, sewer connections, or boundary wall foundations. You need to get this licence from your local council or road authority before you can dig up the road, pavements, or verges. Failure to comply with Section 50 licensing regulations is against the law and could result in legal consequences.

The time it takes to acquire a licence varies based on the council. While many councils necessitate a one-month notice period before commencing work, some can process licences within 10 working days. For precise information regarding these timelines, feel free to contact us when making your order or inquiry.

Upon receiving the licence from the council, we promptly deliver it to you via email, post, or both, according to your preference. Typically, the council may also require additional documentation, such as the SWL2 (advance notice of works), SWL3 (works commencement), and SWL4 (works stop/registration) forms.

We assist by partly completing these forms on your behalf and forwarding them to you, along with your licence. You’ll need to fill in the remaining details, including the dates of works and reinstatement details, and submit them to the council to fulfil the terms of the Section 50 licence.

In case your work experiences changes or delays, we will manage communication with the council on your behalf. Our aim is to ensure that any required adjustments to the licence are smoothly facilitated.

As previously stated, after completing your works, it’s necessary you provide the council with details using the SWL4 form. You’ll be required to complete the form we supplied when your licence was issued and send it to the council to register your completed works.

Whether site visits will be conducted depends on the nature and scope of your works, as well as the policies of the relevant council. We’re here to help coordinate site visits between your site representative and council officials as necessary.

Any Advice?

Have you ever found yourself needing to obtain a Section 50 licence but unsure of where to begin?

Section 50 licences are crucial for laying new or maintaining existing apparatus in the public highway. Contractors intending to conduct roadwork excavations must obtain a Section 50 licence before commencing work.

To assist you with your application, we’ve gathered a list of useful tips to enhance your process:

1. PLAN

Start early to account for any unexpected delays.

2. Gather Necessary Documentation

Make sure you have all required documents, such as site plans, utility maps, and insurance certificates, ready before applying.

3. Know the rules

Understand the specific requirements and regulations of the local council and where the work will be conducted.

4. Complete Forms Accurately

Double-check all application forms for accuracy and completeness before submission to avoid delays or rejections.

5. Communicate Clearly

Maintain open communication with the council and provide clear and concise information about your proposed works.

6. Working together

Collaborate with utility companies, local authorities, and other relevant parties to minimize conflicts and ensure smooth project execution.

7. Follow Guidelines

Stick to all guidelines outlined in the Section 50 notice to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

8. Address Concerns Promptly

Address any concerns or queries from the council or stakeholders promptly to avoid unnecessary delays in processing your application.

9. Monitor Progress

Keep track of your application's progress and follow up with the council if needed.

10. Get expert help

Consider hiring experienced professionals or consultants familiar with the Section 50 application process to guide you through the steps and ensure a successful outcome.

Compliance and Collaboration

We are dedicated to meeting with the requirements outlined in Section 50 of the New Road and Street Works Act 1991 and other relevant legislation governing our operations. Additionally, we strive to endeavour positive relationships with local authorities, statutory undertakers, and the communities in which we work by engaging in proactive communication and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.

By adhering to the principles of transparency, accountability, and cooperation embodied in Section 50 notices, we aim to ensure the successful completion of our moling and horizontal directional drilling projects while minimizing disruption and maximizing safety for all stakeholders involved.