Scaffolding licence
You will need a scaffolding/hoarding licence for:
- Placing scaffolding or hoarding on a public highway, road, pavement or rear lane
How long does the application process take?
Applications should be submitted in good time, applications will be reviewed on typical working days (Mondays to Fridays).
Fees
The cost of the licence is £175 for 1 month and £230 for 1-3 months. For every 3 months after this time and retrospective licences the fee is £370
Important information
Please note:
- If you are organising scaffolding as an individual the company you have contracted to do the work for you will include this in their costs as part of the quote, as they are required to apply for licences
- Failure to obtain the necessary permissions may result in fines/enforcement action being taken against you
- If the time required needs to be extended then the request should be submitted in good time before any granted permission expires
- Information supplied when you submit your application may be included in any Public Notices issued about the works and will appear on Coventry Councils roadwork map [https://one.network/]
- If for any reason we need to check any information submitted we may need to contact you for clarification,
Before you start your application
For your application you will need to:
- Provide a description of the works to be carried using the correct scaffolding licence application form
- Upload copies of your up to date Public Liability Insurance certificate and possibly your Employee Liability Insurance if you are a contractor who directly employs operatives
- Agree to our Terms and Conditions
- Pay online on submission - we accept BACs payments and payment must be made before we can issue your licence
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]
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 (5-7 working days) 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.
Should you have any queries or require assistance please email tempTM@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:tempTM@coventry.gov.uk]
Updated November 2025.
Scaffolding and hoarding licences
Charges
The charges for a scaffolding or hoarding licence are:
- Up to 1 month: £175
- 1 to 3 months: £230
- Every 3 months thereafter: £230
- Retrospective licence: £370
Fees can be made via BACS and must be paid before a licence is issued.
Once we receive your application it will be processed and if successful you will be issued with a reference number and our bank details so your payment can be allocated against your account.
Should you require any assistance please contact TempTM@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:TempTM@coventry.gov.uk].
Updated November 2025.
Scaffolding and hoarding licences
Specifications for scaffolding and hoardings
Minimum requirements
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.
Should you require any assistance please contact TempTM@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:TempTM@coventry.gov.uk]
Updated November 2025.
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].