To make sure new residential streets are built to an acceptable standard, we can require a financial deposit from the landowner or developer under the Advance Payments Code (APC). This covers the estimated cost of constructing the street.
When we will issue a notice
After building regulations approval is granted, we will send you a formal notice. This notice sets out the amount of financial security required, and a charge will be placed on the land until the work is completed to our satisfaction.
We will issue a notice for all new residential streets unless the street:
- serves 9 or fewer homes in total
- serves temporary or seasonal dwellings only
- serves only flats or apartments
- is already covered by a signed Section 38 road adoption agreement
- is less than 100 yards (91.44 metres) long
- is only used by commercial or industrial buildings
What you need to do
If you receive a notice from us, please contact us as soon as possible. We can then work with you to agree a positive and practical way forward.
To keep residents safe, if work starts without speaking to us or without providing the financial security, we may have to begin legal action against the landowner and/or developer.
If you plan to keep the street private
Please send us full evidence showing that the street has been designed and constructed to a satisfactory standard. This must include:
- surveys and investigations
- calculations
- layout drawings
- any approvals or consents
Once we are satisfied, we will release or refund the deposit and remove the land charge.
If you want the street to be adopted
If you want the new street to be adopted as a public road or footpath, please read Adopting and improving roads and footpaths.
A signed Section 38 agreement must be in place before building work starts. Once this agreement is in place, we will withdraw the notice and remove the land charge.