When carrying out any building work/maintenance or removal of any part of a property which is adjacent to the public highway (road, pavement or rear lane), the safety of all users of the highway must be paramount.
The safety of all highway users is maintained by providing safe areas at ground level or a platform at high level. When it is necessary to place hoardings on the highway around the place of work or scaffolding, permission is necessary. Once permission has been granted, the conditions attached to the licence must be carefully read and kept to at all times.
Scaffolding and hoarding licences
Eligibility criteria
The basic requirements of the conditions are as follows:
Hoardings
- To be a minimum of 2.5m 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 must be of satisfactory width (minimum of 1.5m) and regularly inspected by the contractor.
- Must display the name and contact details of the contractor.
Scaffolding
- During the erection or dismantling period, a safe working area at ground level is required to be provided to prevent pedestrians gaining access - this means that in the town centre, work must be done outside normal working hours (i.e. after 6pm or before 8am or on a Sunday).
- Will require illumination unless no part of it is less than 0.45m (18 inches) from a carriageway in a horizontal direction and no part of it over a footway is less than 2.4m (8 feet) above the footway.
- Pedestrian walkway to be maintained around the scaffold. If this cannot be arranged, it must be designed to allow access under and through the scaffold safely - no trip hazards, no projecting tubes or fittings, covered adequately to provide a working platform and prevent materials or debris falling through. Poles must be highlighted. A reasonable free walking width must be maintained to enable persons in wheelchairs/prams to pass the scaffold safely.
- Must display the name and contact details of the contractor.
Scaffolding and hoarding licences
Apply for a scaffolding or hoarding licence
You can apply online for a scaffolding or hoarding licence using the GOV.UK website.
- apply for a scaffolding or hoarding licence online [https://www.gov.uk/scaffolding-and-hoarding-licence/coventry/apply]
- download an application form [/downloads/download/807/application_forms_for_scaffolding_and_hoardings]
Scaffolding and hoarding licences
Application process
Please be aware that although we can accept your application online it would be helpful to ring the NRSWA team and talk through what is required because the situation can be quite complex. A check will be made to assess whether it is safe to place scaffolding in a particular location.
The Council requires a site plan showing the position of the scaffolding and/or hoarding to be attached with any application.
Tacit consent
Tacit consent does not apply. It is in the public interest that we must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us again.
Submission of a form and payment does not mean permission has been granted and no scaffolding or hoarding may be put on the highway without a licence being granted first.
Scaffolding and hoarding licences
Length of licence
You can apply for a scaffolding or hoarding licence to last for up to one month or up to three months. Anyone requiring a scaffolding or hoarding licence to last longer than three months is advised to contact us in the first instance.
Renewals
Apply to renew a scaffolding or hoarding licence online [https://www.gov.uk/scaffolding-and-hoarding-licence/coventry/renew].
Scaffolding and hoarding licences
Change of circumstances
Apply to change a scaffolding or hoarding licence online [https://www.gov.uk/scaffolding-and-hoarding-licence/coventry/change].
Scaffolding and hoarding licences
Right of appeal
If your licence request is refused; please contact temptm@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:trafficmanagement@coventry.gov.uk].
Scaffolding and hoarding licences
Charges
The charges for a scaffolding or hoarding licence are:
- up to one month: £160
- one to three months: £215
- every three months thereafter: £215
- retrospective licence: £355