Applying for a River Works LicenceUnder Section 66 of the Port of London Act, a River Works Licence is required for any works in the River Thames, riverward of the mean high water mark including any works under the river or overhanging the river. This process ensures that all developments in the river are assessed for their potential effect on safety of navigation and the environment. To apply for a River Works Licence it is necessary to complete the form 201 entitled ‘Application to place or retain works in the Thames’. This is available to download as a PDF or Microsoft Word document. Click here for a Microsoft Word version of the Form. This can be saved locally as a Word Document for completion on screen. Click here for a PDF version of the Form. This can be printed and completed by hand. The PLA aims to process applications for River Works Licences within three months, however in certain circumstances this may not be possible. With large projects it is advisable to contact the Licensing Officer (see below for contact details) to arrange a preliminary consultation prior to submitting a formal application. New Works or Variation to Existing WorksA River Works Licence application for new works or to vary existing works must be accompanied by the relevant supporting information including:
Further details are set out in the document entitled ‘Instructions to persons intending to place works in the tidal Thames’, which can be downloaded here (pdf - 40kb). Demolition WorksWorks being demolished in the Thames also require a River Works Licence. The PLA’s requirements for the demolition of piled structures are set out in the document ‘Demolition Guidance Notes’ which can be downloaded here (pdf - 24kb). DredgingA Dredging Licence is required for any works involving dredging or bed-levelling. To apply for a Dredging Licence the form ‘Application to undertake dredging in the Thames’ must be completed. This is available to download as a PDF or Microsoft Word document. Click here for a Microsoft Word version of the Form. This can be saved locally as a Word Document for completion on screen. Click here for a PDF version of the Form. This can be printed and completed by hand. For more information please see the relevant web pages by clicking here. Retention of Existing WorksWhere existing works in the river are sold, normally in conjunction with a riverside property, the new owner must apply for a River Works Licence to retain the works by using the form ‘Application to place or retain works in the Thames’. Additional supporting information is not normally required. FeesA fee to process applications is payable. The fees are set out in the current PLA Charges booklet. There is a consideration payable for River Works Licences which in most cases is an annual sum, except in some instances such as embankments where it may be a single payment. For more information regarding the consideration please contact the Valuation Surveyor in the Estates Department. Consents from other Statutory BodiesIn addition to a River Works Licence, consents by other statutory bodies may be required when placing or carrying out works in the Thames. These consents may include:
Please click here to download the document ‘Permissions’ (pdf -24kb) for further information. Temporary WorksWorks of a temporary nature lasting less than six weeks (such as scaffolding to facilitate redecoration and/or repair works to river walls or sediment sampling) may not require a formal River Works Licence application but will require the written consent of the PLA. To apply for written consent for temporary works full details of the works must be sent to the Licensing Officer at the address below. The application must include detailed drawings, a comprehensive method statement and the time scale of the works. We are not able to process applications received without this information. Please note that a minimum period of four weeks is necessary to process applications for temporary consent. Contact DetailsIf you have a general enquiry about River Works Licensing please contact the Licensing Officer as below or use this Enquiry Form. Licensing Officer
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