Scaffolding and hoarding licence

When carrying out any building work/maintenance or removal of any part of a property that is adjacent to the public highway (road pavement or rear lane) the safety of all users of the highway must be paramount.

To apply for a licence contact the Highways and Engineering Service using the Contact us link below.

This is achieved by providing safe areas at ground level or a platform at a high level. When it is necessary to place hoardings on the highway around the place of work or scaffolding, permission is necessary and can be obtained from the Council, on completion of a form together with a sketch. Once permission has been granted, the conditions attached to the licence must be carefully read at all times. The basic requirements of the conditions are as follows:

Hoardings

• To be a minimum of 2.5 metres high and to be able to withstand high winds.
• Illumination may be required if street lighting is not adequate.
• Must have a smooth finish with no protruding parts.
• Pedestrian walkways of satisfactory width are to be maintained or provided and regularly inspected by the Contractor.

Scaffolding

• During the setting up or dismantling period, a safe working area at ground level is required to prevent pedestrians from gaining access - this means that in the town centre, this work is to be carried out outside normal working hours, after 6pm or before 8am on a Sunday.
• Will require illumination unless no part of it is less than 0.45 metres (18 inches) from a carriageway in a horizontal direction and no part of it over a footway is less than 2.4 metres (8 feet) above the footway.
• Pedestrian walkway to be maintained around the scaffold. If this cannot be arranged, it requires to be designed to allow access under and through the scaffold safety - no trip hazards, no projecting tubes or fittings, covered adequately to provide a working platform and prevent materials or debris falling through. Poles to be highlighted. A reasonable free walking width must be maintained to enable persons in wheelchairs, prams or others to pass the scaffold safely.

 A regulations summary for​​​ this licence

After submission of the application form and fee the location will be inspected for suitability.  The licence must be made available on site for inspection.

Contact the team