Street Works Licence (Section 50)
A Section 50 licence is required for any individual, contractor, or organisation (not operating as a statutory undertaker) that intends to install, maintain, or remove apparatus in the public highway. This includes works such as the installation of private water, gas, electric, or telecom services. The licence ensures compliance with the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and requires applicants to meet safety, reinstatement, and traffic management obligations.
Please refer to the Street Works Licence (Section 50) guidance for more information.
Important to Note
A Section 50 Licence covers who owns and maintains the apparatus once it is installed, it is different from a permit to carry out the work
A Section 50 licence is not an alternative to planning permission or building regulations approval, which may also be required depending on the nature of the project.
Failure to obtain a licence before excavating the highway may result in enforcement action and significant financial penalties.
A fee is payable with your application to cover inspection and administrative costs. Additional charges may apply for urgent applications or extended works. For current Section 50 licence fees, please refer to our application fees and timeframes webpage.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via MySouthend,
As part of the application process, the applicant must provide the following:
- plans: scaled site and location plans (1:500 or 1:1250), showing the location of proposed works, surrounding roads, red boundary of the benefiting property, apparatus routes, North indicator, and a key where needed.
- utility consent: authorisation from the relevant utility company for existing apparatus, and adoption agreements if applicable.
- traffic management: a plan if works affect traffic, including TTRO application where relevant.
- NRSWA accreditation: copies of cards (front and back) for both operative and on-site supervisor.
- insurance: £10 million public liability cover valid for the full duration of works.
- landowner permission: if not the landowner, provide written consent.
- HSE notification: F10 form if works exceed 30 days. See the HSE website.
Please allow at least 28 days to process your application. Please note that you may also need to apply for Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders or parking suspensions if access or traffic flow will be affected.
What Happens Next
We will review your application to ensure the safety and practicality of your proposal. If approved, you will be issued a Section 50 licence, which must be kept on-site at all times. You must notify us before and after works commence. All reinstatement works carried out under a Section 50 licence must comply with the standards set out in the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways (SROH), ensuring the highway is returned to its original condition or better.
If you intend to apply over banding to reinstatements, you must obtain prior authorisation from Southend-on-Sea City Council. Only HAPAS-approved products will be accepted.
Amendments and Extensions to Approved Permits
If you need to change minor details of your approved Section 50 licence, such as contractor information or contact details, please contact the Council as soon as possible at highwaypermits@southend.gov.uk. However, significant changes such as changing the location, scope of works, or duration may require a new application.
Further Information
If the proposed works require road closures, diversions, or traffic restrictions, a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) must be applied for separately. Further details can be found on our temporary changes to the public highway and footway page.