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Placing a skip on the highway

When carrying out any building work, maintenance or removal of any part of a property, it may be necessary to hire a builder’s skip to remove the debris.

If you have space, you must place the skip within the boundary of your property. If you do not have available space, the skip company must apply for a licence to place the skip on the road. This is a requirement of the Highways Act 1980.

How to apply

A skip application must be submitted by the Skip Company as they hold the relevant insurances to place a skip on the highway. They will retain liability for the skip for the duration that it is deposited on Highways adopted land. Before submitting your application please read our terms and conditions.

Apply for a skip licence

What happens next?

A Street works Inspector will attend the site to check the suitability of the location. They may suggest certain conditions which the Skip company must adhere to.

How much does the licence cost?

Type of Licence

Fee Incurred

Licence (per calendar month)

£115

Emergency Licence (per calendar month)

£163

 
Extensions and changes to licence

Type of Licence

Fee Incurred

Extension request for 1 calendar month
submitted before the expiry of the previous licence

£115

Late Extension Request

£163

Change to licence already issued

£45

Please note that our licence fees are subject to review every year and licences submitted on or after the 1st April will be subject to any new fees.

How long does an application takes?

A non emergency application takes a minimum of 2 weeks to process.

What is classed as an emergency

Please note emergency applications are those that pose an immediate risk to public safety, property, or essential services.

All emergency skip applications need to be submitted through the digital system giving the usual lead‑in times. After you submit, contact the Streetworks team to explain why it is an emergency and provide evidence. The request will be reviewed and if needed the licence dates will be amended.

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