Section 171 excavation licence

How to apply for a licence to undertake excavation in a public pavement, e.g. to install a drainage channel.

Before applying: Please ensure this is the correct application for your intended work. You may instead need to apply for a Vehicular Access or Minor Works Licence.

Suffolk County Council reviews its fees on an annual basis. Please make sure you read through the application form to understand the current fees and conditions before you apply as these fees are generally non-refundable. Applications require 20 working days notice to be processed.

Before you apply

Your application may be rejected if the proposed site is considered to be potentially dangerous to the public.

A licence is needed to excavate within a public pavement.

Contact Highways England on 0300 123 5000 if you want to apply for a licence on a trunk road.

The Section 171 Excavation licence fee is £200.00.

How to apply

Send completed forms to highways.streetfurniture@suffolk.gov.uk or by post to:

Suffolk County Council

Highway Regulation

Phoenix House

3 Goddard Road

Ipswich

IP1 5NP

Email highways.streetfurniture@suffolk.gov.uk or contact 0345 606 6171 if you require any assistance.

Pay for a street furniture licence

Find out how to pay for a street furniture licence.

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