Harrogate Borough Council
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Private Streets or Roads
A private street or road, is a street that is not maintainable
by the Council. This means that the highway authority is under no obligation to
carry out repairs or cleansing to the street, even though it could
be a public right of way to which highway and traffic law can be
applied.
New roads that have been constructed in accordance with the
highway authority guidelines are normally adopted by way of an
agreement between the developer and the highway authority under
section 38 of the Act. Existing roads will not normally be
adopted unless they are brought up to current standards by the
owners of the road.
Streets that are unadopted are generally in a condition not
meeting the standard of adopted streets. In Harrogate &
Knaresborough, there are over 100 private streets / roads, the
majority of them are back streets, although there are some front
streets.
Responsibility for maintenance of private streets lies with the street owners. These are usually the people who live on the street or those properties which front onto it or abutt it. If your home is on a private street, your deeds will state that you are responsible for maintenance.
Responsibility for maintenance of private streets lies with the street owners. These are usually the people who live on the street or those properties which front onto it or abutt it. If your home is on a private street, your deeds will state that you are responsible for maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a private street that
is unsafe?
This is usually the responsibility of the owner (usually the
frontager). If the problem is thought to be a "danger" (for example
a deep hole in the road suddenly appearing) the Council can arrange
to make safe by placing barriers or road closures around the
hazard. However, the permanent repairs have to be carried out by
the owner/s.
How do I report a problem with gullies and
drains on a private street?
If though to be dangerous (for example a missing gully lid)
the Council will arrange to make the problem safe and then the
owner will need to make permanent repairs.
How do I get a private street adopted?
For a private street to be adopted by the Council, it has to
be constructed to current highway standards. This cost must be met
by the street owners/residents.
The Council does not have a budget for this and cannot be of
any financial help.
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