Scaffolding, hoarding, cranes or container licences

If you need to put up building site hoardings or scaffolding, cranes or containers on public roads or pavements, you have to obtain a licence from the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Cranes and containers within a building site or on other private land do not require a licence.

By law, you need to put up hoardings to separate building works from the street, and to ensure that they are securely erected. If you do not do this, you could be fined up to £5,000 for non-compliance with a scaffolding licence.

Validity period

The licence will normally be valid for three months. To extend it, which should be done before the licence expires, please contact us.

How to apply for a hoarding, scaffolding, crane or container licence

To apply for a hoarding, scaffolding, crane or container licence, please contact us.

You will need to tell us:

• the name of your company
• the company address
• your name
• your phone number and fax number
• the site address
• the date the work is to start
• the duration of the work
• the approximate height and length of the hoarding or scaffolding
• the main dimensions of the hoardings, scaffolding, cranes or containers over the public highway.

You will also need to send us a copy of your public liability insurance cover, which needs to be for a minimum of £5 million.

How much does it cost?

You need a separate licence for hoardings, scaffolding, and for each crane and container. The cost of licences are reviewed yearly in April. For the year 2011 to 2012, each licence costs £120.

Please note that you will also need to pay a refundable deposit.

What happens next

One of our engineers will come to inspect the location.

The engineer will decide on the size of the refundable deposit - in addition to the standard licence fee - that you will have to pay. This deposit is to cover any damage that may be caused.

You will be required to pay your deposit and licence fee in advance, either by cash, cheque or credit or debit card. We will call you to inform you of the amount payable and your payment options.

When we have received your payment we will issue you with a licence.

When you have completed your building work, you will need to contact us again to let us know.

Our engineer will revisit and inspect your site. If the hoardings, scaffolding, cranes or containers have not damaged the road or street, we will return the deposit to you. If you have damaged the highway, the cost of repairing the damaged area will be deducted from the refunded sum.

Conditions of the licence

We will tell you all the conditions attached to the licence when it is issued.