Scaffolding and hoarding licences

How to apply for a licence to erect scaffolding or hoarding on the highway.

COVID-19 update

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, the council offices are closed.

Applications can only be made electronically to licensingteam@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Payment of the application fee, can either be made via the GOV.UK website, or alternatively by a bank transfer (account details below).

You need to apply to us for permission when you need to erect scaffolding, staging, hoarding or fencing to secure a building site. The licence below also includes the use of access machinery, such as cranes and cherry pickers on the highway in relation to building work.

If permission is granted, the conditions attached to the licence must be carefully read and kept too:

Scaffold company registration

Please email or fax a completed company registration form (pdf format, 48 Kb) together with a signed copy of the conditions for the erection of scaffolding and hoardings on a Public Highway and a copy of your ten million pounds sterling Public Liability Insurance to our Licensing and Streetworks Administration Team.

First, you need to register with the Licensing and Streetworks Administration Team.

Apply online

You must apply at least five working days before your start date.

Step one

First you must complete the licence application form (pdf format, 133Kb). To make the supporting fee payment please use one of the following links and upload your application and public liability insurance document when prompted

Step two

If your company has not previously registered with this team, please ensure you also submit necessary registration forms (as above):

Apply by email

Please download licence application form (doc format, 98Kb) and email it to licensingteam@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

Make a bank transfer to our team account using the first line of application address as the reference.

Account name - OCC Licensing & Streetworks DCI
Sort code - 30-80-12
Account number - 15190568

Fees

There is a £300 fine plus £51 per hour enforcement rate for non-compliance of the terms and conditions of the licence, apart from the crane where the fine will be £585 plus £51 per hour enforcement rate for non-compliance.

  • Scaffolding - £220 for one month, renewal £220 per month. 
  • Hoarding - £210 for one month, renewal £210 per month. 
  • Tower scaffold - £180 for two days, renewal £180 for two days. 
  • Cherry picker - £180 for two days, renewal £180 for two days 
  • Scissor lift - £180 for two days, renewal £180 for two days 
  • Crane - £540 for one day

Timescales

We aim to process your application within five working days and will then inform you of our decision.

Does tacit consent apply?

No. 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. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.

Contact details

You can direct any questions regarding procedures or licences to our Licensing and Streetworks Administration Team.