Highways Licence
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When you need a highways (building / construction) licence
Wherever there are building works that use or infringe upon the public highway or footway you will need a licence. For example:
- buildings with scaffold on the footpath
- cranes working on the public highway require a licence - Cranes that move over, or over sail, the highway need a specific Over Sailing Licence
- site hoarding fencing that is erect within 1 metre of the footway
- building materials being stored on the highway
- HGV vehicles crossing the footway to enter a site
Highways Licence costs
There is an application fee for:
- Scaffolding Licence
- Hoarding Licence
- Building Material Licence
- Cranes Licence (costs for an over sailing crane are different, see the costs and how to apply)
- Habitual Licence
- Portacabins Licence
Find out more about highways fees and charges
Who is responsible for making a licence application?
We accept applications from builders on behalf of the landowner. However, the landowner is ultimately responsible for making sure licences are in place.
Inspection timescale
We aim to inspect your site within 48 hours of your request. We will aim to issue your licence within three to four working days.
Refunding your deposit
Once the works have been completed, please contact us to request the refund of your deposit. We will carry out a final inspection and, providing no damage has been done to the footway or carriageway.
How to apply for a highways licence
Prior to applying for your highways licence, ensure you have read our guidance notes:
If you are unable to complete our online application, please email highways.licensing@barnet.gov.uk
Initial stage
Once you've applied, a site inspection will be carried out.
We will contact you and go through any conditions that you may need to meet during the course of the works.
Skips
If you're having work done within your property and you need to remove:
- materials
- rubbish
- solids
You can temporarily store them on your street, but it must be done using a skip.
Any skip that is placed on the highway network must be licensed by the council to registered skip companies only.
If you are a resident and want to hire a skip you must organise this through a skip company. The skip company should arrange the licence.
How to register as a skip company
You can register online if you are a new skip company and need to register as a skip company with the London Borough of Barnet. Prior to registering, ensure you have read our guidance notes:
If you are unable to complete our online application, please email skips@barnet.gov.uk
How to apply for a skip licence
In order to apply for a skip licence, you must first be registered as a skip company. After you are set up as registered skip company, you can apply online for a skip licence from Barnet Council. Prior to applying for your highways licence, ensure you have read our guidance notes:
If you are unable to complete our online application, please email skips@barnet.gov.uk
Skip licence cost
If you fill the skip and have it emptied and replaced within the licence period this will not require a new licence.
The skip companies will be billed monthly for all of the licences they have taken out during that month.
Find out more about highways fees and charges
What the skip licence covers
The depositing of a skip in compliance with the guidance notes. Please download the guidance notes for further information:
The skip licence is granted to a specific address.
Should the skip not be at the address that is licensed, you could face a fine.
If there is a reason why the skip can't be at the address on the licence, you must contact us immediately at skips@barnet.gov.uk
Skip licences issued by another council
You are not covered in Barnet if you have a skip licence from another council. The licence is site specific. Each site with a skip requires a skip licence from us.
How long it takes to get a skip licence
We require 24 hours' notice from the skip company to issue them with a licence.
If there are particular traffic issues on the road where the skip is to be deposited (e.g. bus route, narrow road) a site inspection may be required to negotiate conditions and possible alternate locations for the depositing of the skip. In these instances it may take 3 days to issue the skip licence.
The latest a skip licence application will be accepted is at 3pm. Anything submitted after this time will be processed at the day after, and the 24 hours' notice will start from then.
The skip company involved will be informed of any traffic issues at the time of application.
Contact
Skip Licences
Highways 3rd Floor
2 Bristol Avenue
Colindale
NW9 4EW
Email: skips@barnet.gov.uk