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  • All other crossings including bridges with piers, causeways and fords

All other crossings including bridges with piers, causeways and fords

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This activity applies to the installation of all other crossings across a watercourse or loch (this includes all fords, causeways, and bridges with piers).

This includes:

  • Installation of a new permit level crossing (those that do not meet the registration or GBR activity thresholds)
  • Alteration of an existing permit level crossing which does not meet the maintenance criteria
  • Removal of an existing permit level crossing
  • Installation or removal of a crossing which cannot comply with GBR or registration standard conditions.

Authorisation level

Permit

Public consultation

We may publicly consult on applications that, due to their nature or location, have higher likelihood of environmental impact and community impact.

Read more about public participation and engagement

Fit and Proper Person tests

Fit and Proper Person tests apply to this activity. You will be asked in your application if you have any relevant convictions held by you or any additional persons.

Read more about Fit and Proper Person tests

Permit conditions

Permits may contain both standard conditions and conditions specific to the activity and location. The conditions of your permit will be decided when we assess your application. This is to ensure that the appropriate limits and controls are in place to minimise pollution and protect the environment.

If you carry out an activity under a Permit authorisation you must comply with the conditions set out in your authorisation. It is an offence if you do not comply with the conditions.

SEPA will not authorise this activity if it poses an unacceptable risk to the environment.

Fees and charges

An annual activity fee does not normally apply to this activity. An annual activity fee will only apply to those activities subject to time and materials charging as part of a ‘large and complex’ project. Read our charging information for further information on annual activity fees.

Information on the application fees to transfer, vary or surrender a registration that authorises this activity, is in our charging information. 

How to apply

In this section you can find out how to apply for a new authorisation, and how to apply for a variation, transfer and surrender of an existing authorisation.

New applications

You can apply for a new permit for this activity using our digital application service.

If you are applying for new permit, we would encourage you to contact us with any pre-application enquiries before submitting your application.

Step 1: Download your activity form

You’ll need to download and complete the following activity form. The completed form will be submitted as part of your application:

Step 2: Provide supporting information

  • Non-technical summary of your application
  • Drawings of the structure
  • Report assessing risk to fish (if required)
  • Details of whether the activity may impact on SSSIs, SACs and SPAs
  • Reasons for carrying out the activity
  • Photographs of the area where the activity is to be carried out
  • Options appraisal
  • Details on why selected option is the best practical environmental option
  • Proposed mitigation of environmental impacts  

Step 3: Submit using our digital application service

You can submit your completed application using our digital application service.

Make an application for a new authorisation

Vary an existing permit

You can apply to vary an existing permit for this activity using our digital application service.

Step 1: Download your variation form

You will need to download and complete the following variation form. The completed form will be submitted as part of your application:

Step 2: Submit using our digital application service

You can submit your completed application using our digital application service.

Make an application to vary an authorisation

Transfer an existing permit

You can apply to transfer an existing permit for this activity.

Step 1: Download your transfer form

You will need to download and complete the following transfer form. The completed form will be submitted as part of your application:

Step 2: Submit your application

Read transfer an existing authorisation to find out how to submit your application for a variation. 

Surrender an existing permit

To apply to surrender an existing permit that authorises this activity, read Surrender an authorisation

Help and guidance