Construction Site Licences (CAR)

Will you be responsible for the operation of a proposed construction site in Scotland? If so, you should be aware […]

Will you be responsible for the operation of a proposed construction site in Scotland?

If so, you should be aware of a change in the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR) that came into effect on 01 September 2018. Construction sites may now need to obtain a Construction Site Licence, under CAR, prior to commencing work – you can read full details here.

Regulated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), you may require a Complex CAR licence if your construction site will:

have an area greater than 4 hectares;
include a road, track or other linear structure of greater than 5km in length; or
have an area of more than 1 hectare, or a length of more than 500 metres, on ground with a slope in excess of 25 degrees.

This licence will require the holder to adhere to a Pollution Prevention Plan that SEPA has reviewed and must consider:

Site drainage plans;
Pollution mitigation measures;
Maintenance and inspection programmes;
Rapid response contingency measures; and
Potential impact of construction on the water environment.

Our team of experienced professionals can support you throughout the course of the licence application, including site drainage design, preparation of a Pollution Prevention Plan and submission of applications.

We can also help streamline the process by liaising on your behalf with SEPA. Our regular work with them means that we have a deep understanding of their expectations and requirements.