Works near the railway, cleared to proceed.

A Basic Asset Protection Agreement is an agreement between Network Rail and a third party carrying out works that could affect railway infrastructure. It sets out how Network Rail will review the works, who pays for that review, and the conditions the works must meet. It is used where the interface with the railway is limited; larger or higher-risk schemes generally need a full Asset Protection Agreement.

Generally when the works are close enough to Network Rail land or infrastructure that they could affect it. Common triggers include excavation near an embankment, cutting or retaining wall, piling, cranes and lifting operations near the line, scaffolding, demolition, drainage that discharges toward the railway, and anything that changes loading on railway earthworks. Distance alone does not decide it; the question is whether the works could credibly affect the railway, and Network Rail's asset protection team confirms whether an agreement is required.

The third party promoting the works. Asset protection agreements are cost-recovery arrangements, so the developer or contractor funds Network Rail's review, supervision and any protective measures required. That cost is best allowed for in the project budget from the outset rather than treated as a later variation.