Road adoption is when we take over the maintenance of a private street. If a road is classified as a private street it means that we, as the highway authority, are under no obligation to carry out repairs or cleansing to the street, even though it could be a public right of way to which law can be applied.

Is my road adopted?

Adopted roads within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area are shown shaded in yellow on the Highway map.

The map of adopted streets provides a visual representation of the list of streets that we are responsible for maintaining at public expense. The list is not intended to be definitive and maybe subject to change when specific locations are reviewed, or additional evidence is presented.

If you have any queries regarding the status of a road in the context of a purchase or sale of a property, you should seek your own independent legal advice. We, to the extent permitted by law, do not accept responsibility for any loss or damage arising from use of this facility.

New roads

New roads which have been constructed in accordance with our guidelines are normally adopted by way of an agreement between the developer and us under section 38 of the Highways Act 1980.

We fully embrace the highway design and philosophies set out in the Manual for Streets (1 and 2), Living Streets, Cycle infrastructure design LTN 1/20, Gear Change and Decarbonising Transport – A Better, Greener Britain.

Existing private streets

Existing private streets will not normally be adopted unless they are brought up to current adoptable standards by the owners of the street and at their own cost. We will expect them to be improved accordingly if a street is:

• unpaved
• a cul-de-sac without a turning head
• without kerbs
• without footways or has sub-standard width footways
• without surface water sewers or has sub-standard surface water sewers
• without gullies and/or street lighting
• in generally poor condition

Improving private streets

We may resolve to raise the standard of a private street by providing any or all of the missing features, or by improving any existing features. This is done under the provisions of sections 205 to 218 of the Highways Act 1980, which is also known as the Private Street Works Code.

These works are undertaken at the expense of the owners of the road or of the properties fronting onto it with the decision to adopt the street being at our discretion.

Transport Development Management Team

Our Transport Development Management Team provides advice to planning design and control, developers and the public on transportation issues in planning proposals such as parking, access and accessibility for all modes of transport. We are committed to achieving the council resolution to shift 50% of journeys to sustainable modes of transport (walking, scooting, cycling, and public transport) by 2030 and promote first and foremost sustainable travel as part of new developments.

In considering the planning applications, the team use best practice advice from documents including Manual for Streets 1 and 2, our Local Transport Plan, Inclusive Mobility, LTN1/20, ATE's planning application assessment toolkit, our LCWIP and our local planning guidance documents such as the Parking Standards SPD. The team require the use of all mode assessments using person trips (not car only) over 24hr period as part of Transport Assessments to fully consider the impact of a proposal. They also seek appropriate contributions from developments to fund, deliver or facilitate transport schemes through the use of S106 and S278 agreements.

Our Transport Development Management Team also oversee the procedures for the adoption of new roads in the area to an acceptable standard so that we, as local highway authority, take on the maintenance responsibility.

Access to highways

Any access to a classified road requires planning permission.

Access to a non-classified road is normally permitted if it is in association with 'permitted development rights' - for example, forming an access to a residential hardstanding area. However, any such 'permitted rights' do not normally allow an access to be formed in a dangerous location.

It is recommended that should anyone be considering forming a new access (or extending an existing one) they should contact us and seek advice on whether planning permission is required.

If you obtain planning permission or have permitted rights to create an access to the highway you will need to apply for a dropped kerb.