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  1. Home
  2. Highways and roads
  3. Highways Licences and permits
  4. Scaffolding and Hoardings

Scaffold, hoarding or similar structure

Any scaffold, hoarding or similar structure which is erected on highway land requires a licence. Only the structure operator can apply for licences. You don’t need a licence to put a scaffold or similar structure on private land.

‘Highway’ land is defined as any carriageway, footway or verge adopted by Cheshire East Highways.

Check it is an adopted road before applying.

We require a minimum of 5 working days' notice when submitting an application or extension. You can also use the above link to extend an existing scaffolding licence. The form will take 10 minutes to complete.

If you need any traffic management for example, permanent light switch off’s, lane closures with diversions or road closure, you must apply for this with your scaffold/structure application.

If you have any problems when applying, email highwayslicences@cheshireeasthighways.org

Applying for a scaffold, hoarding or similar structure

We will need a location plan and a copy of your public liability insurance certificate of at least £5 million.

Apply for a scaffold, hoarding or similar structure licence
  • Application and Inspection fee for period up to 1 week = £320

  • Each additional week or part week = £110

  • Unlicenced scaffold/hoarding = £680

If your application is cancelled or refused, we will charge you £110

All fees and charges must be paid online when submitting the application form.

If your application is acceptable, your licence will be emailed to you.

We may add conditions to your licence if necessary.

You must not erect any scaffold or similar structure on the highway before you receive your approval. 

Your licence application is approved on the basis that all of the conditions of the Section 169 Highways Act 1980 will be met.

Failure to comply with the above may result in your licence being revoked and a possible fine.

We may add extra safety and guarding conditions for locations where the risk is higher, for example at sites outside of schools and in town centres.

You must also leave the highway clean and tidy when you take the structure away. 

Contact Highways

Highways - Cheshire East Council Report a problem online

If you consider a highways issue to be dangerous, or an emergency:

Call the Highways Customer Services Team on 0300 123 5020
during office hours 8:30am – 5:00pm

Call the Out of hours team on 0300 123 5025
after 5pm and before 8:30am, including weekends.

Highways
Floor 6
Delamere House

Delamere Street Crewe
Cheshire
CW1 2LL
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Page last reviewed: 25 April 2025

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