Building materials

Apply for a licence to place building materials on the public highway.

1 Overview

A licence is required if you wish to place building materials on the public highway. A licence is not necessary if materials are placed on private land or on private gated roads with no public right of way. Private roads that are not gated, where the public have a right of way to use them, will still require a licence.

The cost of a building materials licence is currently £117 for between one to five calendar day periods. License extensions are available in five-day intervals.

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) does not allow materials to be stored on the footway under any circumstances. This is because of the damage this can cause and potential obstruction to the public footway. WSCC will only allow the verge to be used in exceptional circumstances.

All materials must be stored on a spoil board and safely cordoned off with reflective barriers. If there are no streetlights, barriers must have lighting attached.

Any damage caused to the highway will be recharged to the licence holder.

We require a minimum of five working days' advance notice from the date of application to the date the materials will be placed on our highway.

3 Terms and conditions

All works shall be in accordance with the specific requirements issued by West Sussex County Council (WSCC) at the time of the resident’s application and insofar as the site will be subject to periodic inspection, additional conditions may be imposed during the works.

Traffic control

The executor of the works shall provide and erect all necessary warning notices, signs and signals for the satisfactory control of traffic in accordance with chapter 8 - Traffic Signs Manual 1991, and the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994 and any subsequent amendments thereof as directed by the Highway Network Manager.

Health, safety and welfare

The executor of the works shall undertake works in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all other legislation, approved codes of practice and guidelines applicable to the works. This shall be done with particular regard to the protection of the public from harm, injury, damage or loss.

Disabled and blind persons

All works shall be executed with due regard to the additional particular needs of disabled and blind persons using the highway.

Road signs

No existing road sign or line shall be obstructed or rendered less effective due to the execution of works without the approval of the council and the provision of alternative signing or lining to his requirements.

Satisfaction of works

In the event of the works not being to the entire satisfaction of the council the works shall cease and the original conditions shall be restored forthwith. If necessary, the restoration of works will be carried out by the county council and the costs shall be recoverable from the person or persons responsible.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to consult with the local planning authority to determine whether a planning approval is required for these works.

Last updated:
13 December 2024
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