Licence to carry out minor excavation on or near the highway

You need this licence if you wish to carry out minor works or excavations on or near a public highway. 

This can include:

  • digging trial holes
  • creating access for private vehicles to a property
  • carry out tree works on private property
  • building and re-building boundary walls

Applications must be made by the company providing the service or carrying out the work and:

  • be made at least five working days before they are needed but four week's notice for an oversailing licence
  • sent in with the applicable fee
  • we must hold a valid copy of the company’s public liability insurance (to be emailed annually to streetworks@n-somerset.gov.uk upon renewal), with a minimum value of £5m

If you have not had a response within five working days (or four weeks for oversailing), contact us at streetworks@n-somerset.gov.uk. You cannot proceed until you have heard from us.

Permits can be granted for a minimum of one day up to a maximum of 28 days.

We reserve the right to remove objects or structures on the highway without a permit (fees including any storage may apply).

Fees

The fees for a section 171 licence is listed in our council fees and charges document.

Payment can be made via the online form. 

street works team