Apply for a highways licence

Highway excavation licence

To excavate or make an opening in the highway, you need a valid licence.

This can include:

  • external tanking
  • waterproofing or damp proofing cellars
  • connecting water service pipes to stopcocks under the highway

Cost

Licence type Duration Initial fee Additional fees
Highway excavation licence 1 month £712
  • Fast track licence: £131
  • Retrospective or overdue licence: £131

 

Apply for a highway excavation licence

Last updated: 3 March 2026