FAQs
Why are the other fees not covered by the grant?
This is a condition of the funding. Only capital costs directly associated with the installation of the pavement channel can be funded by the grant. Additional costs, such as the administration of the application and the site surveys, are not eligible.
Am I eligible for a pavement channel if I live in a conservation area or a listed building?
You will need planning permission before you can apply for a pavement channel if you live in a conservation area and want to undertake works to your frontage such as paving the front garden or removing a wall. Check if you live in a conservation area using the Council website.
Do I require planning permission?
If modifications are required to the property to allow a charging cable to run through the channel, then planning permission will be required before the pavement channel application can be progressed.
Am I responsible for maintaining the pavement channel?
No, but it is recommended that you keep it clear of debris so that it can close. As the pavement channel is installed and owned by the Council, the pavement channel will be integrated into its maintenance programme, and will therefore be responsible for structural maintenance of the pavement channel.
Can I request a private parking space next to the channel, to ensure I can access my charger?
No. The carriageway remains public highway, and no resident has an explicit or implicit right to park in a particular spot. Under no circumstances will the Council guarantee a parking space next to a pavement channel.
Can other people use the pavement channel outside my property?
The pavement channel is intended to be used by the residents of the property to which it connects. The pavement channel must not be used for commercial purposes (e.g., renting out access to the chargepoint for a profit).
The Council reserves the right to terminate access to the pavement channel if the resident is deemed to be using the pavement channel for this purpose.
There is a grass verge, hedge and/or a tree in front of my property. Am I eligible to apply?
The Council will refuse your application if a mature tree (2 or more years old) needs to be removed, due to our commitment to preserve street trees. We can remove trees younger than 2 years of age. You will need to pay for the removal of any trees, shrubs or verges if your application is accepted.
I am not a homeowner. Am I eligible?
Assuming that the other conditions are met, yes. You will need a letter from the freeholder to confirm they approve of a pavement channel being installed.
There is a lamp post, or some other street furniture outside of my property. Am I eligible to apply?
If the lamp post, or other Council-owned street furniture needs to be moved to allow the pavement channel to be safely installed, then you would need to cover the cost of moving it, provided a suitable alternative location can be identified.
What happens if I move to a new address?
The Council owns the pavement channel regardless of who uses lives at the property.
If you have moved, you are no longer eligible to pay the fee, and this will be the responsibility of the new resident. If the resident does not continue to licence the pavement channel, the Council will secure the pavement channel until the licence is renewed.
What is the non-refundable £500 one-off bond, and why am I required to pay it?
This is for cases where either the Licensee does not want to continue using the channel, either temporarily or permanently, or if the resident of the property changes. This bond will fund the lifetime maintenance of the channel and the reinstatement of the footway, if the resident no longer wishes to license the use of the pavement channel. This bond will be added to a pavement channel funding pot, and will only be used for activity directly related to pavement channels.