Highways licensing

 
 

Changes to Temporary Structure Licences

Inspection Charge & Site Meetings - £75

From 3rd March 2008 we will be carrying out site inspections for all applications before issuing a licence, for which there will be an additional charge of £75. In doing so, all customers will be offered the opportunity to state whether they wish to be present during the inspection and to use it as site meeting. This will enable customers to benefit from the expertise of our Road Management Inspectors who can properly assess their requirements and make adjustments to the application where necessary.

Why is the council introducing this new inspection process?

Completing an application for a temporary structure licence can be a lengthy and complex process. Currently many licences are delayed because we return applications to customers due to missing or inadequate information. By inspecting every site before the licence is issued, this should ensure that all details are correct and that the licence adequately meets the needs of the customer and the requirements of the council - helping to speed up the licensing process.  

How do I benefit from attending a site meeting?

  • More personal and tailored application service by agreeing amendments in person
  • Clear advice on how your temporary structure will impact the public and the street environment
  • Guidance on complying with the conditions of your licence and obtaining agreement of the condition survey
  • Improve your relationship with the Council – our Road Management Inspectors can help put you in touch with other departments you may need to contact, such as Parking Services, Building Control and Community Protection
  • Information about becoming a member of our Considerate Builders' Scheme

Do I have to pay £75.00 each time a site meeting is necessary?

No, the £75 fee is a single payment to cover a proportion of the City Council’s costs to attend the site. Further site meetings that may be necessary will not be charged until an application is renewed.

I am only placing 2 scaffold poles on the highway - why am I paying £75.00 for a site meeting?

All licence applications will require a Road Management Inspector to visit a site. Regardless of size and scale a development they must consider each proposal within its own unique set of circumstances. The smaller proposals will still require dimensions and conditions to be adjusted and set against the structure. The site meeting process does allow the applicant to fully discuss what conditions will be included in the licence and the expectations of the City Council in respect of compliance.

Is the inspection optional or a pre-requisite to the full application?

All applications will be subject to this new charge even if you choose not to have a site meeting. Approved licences will stipulate the terms and conditions of a licence, together with approved dimensions. Road Management Inspectors can only determine which terms and conditions apply by attending the site and assessing the impact each structure will have on the environment.

How soon after I've submitted my application can I expect to meet a Road Management Inspector?

Most of the site meetings should take place 5 or 6 working days after the application was received by Westminster City Council.

Am I entitled to a refund when I do not request a site meeting?

No, the £75 inspection fee only covers a proportion of the City Council’s costs to attend site and prepare the necessary paperwork for licence consideration. We therefore encourage applicants to request a site meeting as we cannot refund this fee even if you choose not to attend the inspection, since this visit must take place for all Temporary Structure applications.

Am I entitled to a refund if I withdraw my application?

If a site meeting or inspection has taken place, the £75 fee for that site visit will be retained by Westminster City Council. If the application is withdrawn and a site meeting has not taken place or the inspection has not been undertaken then the full fee, including the £75, can be refunded.

Do I pay the £75.00 separately?

No, the new £75.00 inspection charge is now incorporated into the original licence prices. View prices for temporary structure licences.

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