Consent for Marine Works - Making an Application     

Application for consents to undertake works at sea around England and Wales should be made to the Marine Consents & Environment Unit (for contact details click icon to the left).   If you are accessing this site by means of Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator (versions 4 or later) application may be made on-line. This method applies a discount to the normal licence charge as well as offering other advantages to the applicant.  Click the following link for further details:

Submit an Application On-line
(The online application tool has been upgraded and is available on the MFA website (opens in a new window)

Alternatively, application forms and accompanying Explanatory Notes can be obtained from the Unit or copies can be viewed &/or downloaded from this site in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format.

    View or Download Application Forms & Notes (opens MFA website in new window)

Use the following links for more details of Consents administered by the MCEU and Charges for FEPA licences.

Applications for consent to marine works may be submitted to the MCEU on an application form designed to provide information for the Coast Protection Act (CPA) - or equivalent local harbours legislation for which the Secretary of State's approval is required - the Telecommunications Act (TA), and the Food and Environment Protection Act (FEPA) consent regimes. This offers benefits to applicants by reducing the burden of duplicate aplication and providing a single point of contact for enquiries. This approach also enables joint consultation with the nature conservation bodies and other interested parties and a more holistic assessment of proposed projects.

The MCEU will aim to align the end date for consents and licences so as to facilitate multiple application. However, an applicant may, if he so wishes for whatever reason, apply for consents individually. Whether applications are made under one or more than one regulatory regime, the decision whether to grant each individual consent and the terms and conditions that may apply will be made in accordance with the relevant legislation by the Department responsible for that legislation.