Scaffolding and hoardings

About permission to place scaffolding or hoarding on the highway

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 considered.

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

Hoardings

(If the hoardings are to be on site for a substantial period, then the hoardings must be suitably decorated with Art):

• 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.
• Must not be Herras fencing.
• Pedestrian walkways which will not be less than 1.2m in width are to be maintained or provided and regularly inspected by the Contractor.

Scaffolding

• During the erection or dismantling period, a safe working area at ground level is required to be provided for pedestrians - this means that in the Town Centre, this work is to be carried out outside normal working hours - after 6.00pm or before 8.00am on a Sunday.
• Will require illumination unless no part of it is less than 0.45m (18inches) from a carriageway in a horizontal direction and no part of it over a footway is less than 2.4m (8feet) above the footway.
• A pedestrian walkway is to be maintained around the scaffolding. If this cannot be arranged, it requires to be designed to allow access under and through the scaffold safely. There should be no trip hazards, no projecting tubes or fittings, the scaffold should be covered adequately to provide a working platform and prevent materials or debris falling through. Poles are to be highlighted and padded for protection.
• A minimum free walking width of 1.2 m is to be maintained to be enable persons in wheelchairs/prams, etc, to pass the scaffold safely.
• A temporary Highway closure may be required. Contact the Traffic Management Section on 0161 253 5713.

We have the necessary powers to issue licenses for scaffolding to require erection of hoardings to separate building works from the street and to ensure hoardings are securely erected. Contravention of these is an offence with maximum fines of £5,000 (non-compliance with scaffolding licence), £100 plus £2 per day (contravention of Section 172 of The Highways Act 1980) and £25 plus £1 per day (contravention of section 173 of the Highways Act 1980).

Copies of the Highways Act 1980 can be purchased from Her Majesty's Stationery Office.

Your questions answered

Do I need a permit to place scaffolding or hoarding on the public highway?

Yes a permit is required. Please contact us or complete the application form. Please see above for details of requirements for a permit to be issued.

How much notice do I need to give when submitting an application for a permit?

Please submit your application 7 working days prior to when you want to put up scaffolding or hoardings.   

How much does permission cost to place scaffolding or hoarding on the public highway?

An administration fee of £55 per hoarding or scaffolding is payable with the application. Cheques should be made payable to Bury MBC.

I have seen some scaffolding or hoardings, which may cause a danger or obstruction, who do I contact?

Contact us with as much information as possible, including exact location and any details you think may be of help.

Do I need any qualifications or insurance to erect scaffolding?

Yes. Please read the application form. Please see above for details of requirements for a permit to be issued.

How to apply

The application form to place scaffolding or hoarding is provided in the 'Downloads' section at the right-hand side of this web page. Please note: After pressing "Submit" on the on-line form, you must then print the form, sign it and return it to the address given at the top of the form enclosing the relevant administration fee. Cheques made payable to Bury MBC.

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