Consent for occupation of road (building work)

Summary of requirements

If you wish to temporarily deposit building materials, rubbish or other items in a street or occupy part of the road with scaffolding, hoardings and other obstructions you must have consent from the highways authority.

For most of the roads in Wandsworth, the highways authority is Wandsworth Council, but if it is a Red Route, the highways authority is Transport for London.

You must comply with any conditions attached to a consent and comply with requirements relating to the fencing off and lighting of deposits or excavations.

Eligibility criteria

No provision in legislation.

Application evaluation process

No provision in legislation.

Will tacit consent apply? 

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.

What can I do if my application is refused? 

Please contact (in the first instance):

Email: dtshighwaylicences@wandsworth.gov.uk

If you wish to appeal against a decision you may do so to the local Magistrates' court. 

What if I am unhappy with a condition imposed? 

Please contact Wandsworth Council at the address above in the first instance. If you wish to appeal against a decision you may do so to the local Magistrates' court.  

What if I have a query about my permit?

Please contact Wandsworth Council at the address above.

European services directive

If you think that the council has not complied with the European services directive by imposing requirements or conditions in respect of your application that are discriminatory, unfair, or disproportionate, please contact: 

Email: solvit@bis.gsi.gov.uk

Health and safety 

Before setting up any business in the UK, you must ensure that it will comply with the relevant health and safety regulations. Please see the links below for further information:

• Wandsworth Council's health and safety web pages
• Health and Safety Executive web pages

Consumer complaints about occupation of the road for building works

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint, the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

 Alternatively, you can contact the council's Trading Standards Section at:

Email: Tradingstandards@wandsworth.gov.uk  

Tel: 020 8871 7720

Other complaints 

If you want to make other types of complaints about occupation of the road for building works, such as noise or pollution, please contact: 

Email: esd@wandsworth.gov.uk  

Trade associations and other sources of information

• Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA)
• Federation of Master Builders
• National Federation of Builders (NFB)