In order to regulate placing a scaffold or hoarding on the highway you are required to obtain a licence. This is in accordance with the Highways Act 1980.
It is an offence to place scaffolding on the highway without permission - breaking the law could result in confiscation of the scaffolding and court action against both the hirer of the scaffolding and or scaffolding company itself.
A highway can include roads, pavements and verges.
You will be required to allow at least five working days between the date of the receipt of the application for a licence, and the date on which the application is intended to commence.
A licence will only be granted in exceptional circumstances relating to building materials where there is nowhere else to keep the materials.
A visit/inspection will be carried out by staff and a deposit will be required.
Eligibility criteria
The applicant must have public liability insurance to a minimum of £5 million.
The applicant must be qualified under The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 to erect signing and guarding on the highway.
Regulation summary
» See summary of Highways Act 1980 on the Office of Public Sector Information website.
Application evaluation process
The following criteria must be considered when the application is being evaluated:
- Is it possible to undertake the works in a different manner that would cause less obstruction of the highway?
- Is it possible to store building materials on private land?
- Would the scaffold, hoarding or building materials be blocking visibility at a junction?
- Is the highway surface adequately protected?
- Are any highway drains or utility access chambers obstructed?
- Is the site adequately guarded?
- Is the site adequately signed by NRSWA qualified personnel?
- Has the applicant got a minimum of £5 million public liability insurance?
- Has at least five working days notice been given from receipt of application?
Once approved the licence will be returned with conditions attached to you with the licence number.
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that Waltham Forest Council must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within ten working days contact us online if you applied through the UK welcome business website or use the contact details below:
Email nrswa.admin@walthamforest.gov.uk
Phone 020 8496 3000
Fees and duration of licence
| Licence | Duration | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Crane licence | Five days | £330 |
| Scaffolding | Thirty days | £330 |
| Materials licence | Fourteen days | £50 |
| Hoarding licence | Thirty days | £330 |
| Container licence | Thirty days | £600 |
| Compound licence | Thirty days | £600 |
How to apply
» See permit application forms
Redress
Please contact Waltham Forest Direct and ask for the highway network team in the first instance for matters concerning:
- Licence holder redress
- Failed application redress
- Other redress - include other complaints relating to another aspect of the operation such as noise, pollution or public health
Contact
Public Realm
Environment and Regeneration
Low Hall
Argall Avenue
London E10 7AS
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk
Tel 020 8496 3000
