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Placing or maintaining pipes in the highway

If you wish to either repair existing pipework or to place new pipework that is or will be in your ownership in the street, you will require a licence to undertake these works. This kind of licence is called a Section 50 Licence.

What will a licence cost?

• Place a new water, sewer or gas pipe in the highway £390
• Repair an existing water, sewer or gas pipe apparatus £270

Please note that there is no VAT to add to these prices.

How do I get an application?

Please read the Notes for Guidance (SWL1). Then complete the application in full. Please note that the SWL6 forms must be sent to the utility companies but we do not need to see their plant enquiry responses. If you wish to post in this application, please print off the following documents. Alternatively you can save the documents to your PC for emailling to us.

• Notes for Guidance SWL1
• Application Form SWL2
• Change of Start Date or Other Information SWL4
• Registration of Works SWL5
• Plant Enquiries SWL6

How much notice do I need to give for a licence?

All complete applications must be received at least one month in advance of the proposed start date of the works. However 3 months notice must be given if a road closure is required. If you feel that the work is an emergency (will cause danger to life or damage to property) please contact the Traffic Managers Unit on 01392 382085.

Where do I send my completed application?

The relevant completed application should be sent along with all supporting documents and fee to Devon County Council, Highway Management, PO BOX 494, Newton Abbot, TQ12 9GL.

If you would prefer to e-mail the application. Please download the documents and email them to highwayapps@devon.gov.uk

For any further enquiries relating to Section 50 licences, please phone 01392 382085 or email highwayapps@devon.gov.uk