Guidance

Construction, alteration or improvement of works

This guidance explains when construction, alteration or improvement works may need a marine licence from the Marine Management Organisation.

Applies to England and Northern Ireland

Construction, alteration or improvement of works

You may need a marine licence if you carry out construction activities in English waters or Northern Ireland offshore waters.  

Some construction activities are exempt from needing a licence. You can check if your activity is exempt before you apply.   

You may need a marine licence if your activity takes place:

  • in or over the sea
  • on or under the seabed

What counts as construction 

Construction means building or making something. It also includes: 

  • maintenance 

  • alteration or improvement 

Maintenance means keeping a structure or asset in good condition or repairing it. The work must stay within its existing size and shape.

Alteration or improvement means changing a structure or asset so that it is different from how it was before.

Updates to this page

Published 30 May 2019

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