Taking in charge is a formal legal process by which responsibility for certain public areas, structures and services in a private residential development or estate are transferred to, or put in the charge of, a local authority.
When a residential development is complete, the developer or the majority of the homeowners may submit a written request to the local authority to have the development taken in charge - see Form TIC 1 (2014) or Form TIC 2 (2014) below. If the local authority is satisfied that the development has been completed in compliance with the conditions of the planning permission and the local authority’s technical requirements, then it is required to take control of the operation, maintenance and upkeep of the public roads, lighting and similar services.
The Roads department commence the statutory procedure. This entails public notice being given and stating that objections or representations may be made to the Council. The making of an order that an estate be taken in charge is a reserved function of the Council members.