Highways licence
If you want to place any of the following on the public highway, you must apply for the correct licence or permit:
- Skips
- Scaffolding
- Hoarding
- Building materials
- Containers
- Temporary cross-over
Please note that a highway can include roads, pavements and verges.
Where the public highway is on a Red Route, Transport for London (TfL) will deal with any application. You should contact them on 0845 603 4545.
Scaffolding, hoarding, building materials, containers and temporary cross-overs
If you want to place scaffolding, hoarding, building materials, containers or temporary cross-overs on the public highway you will need to apply for a highways licence.
How do I apply?
Your application needs to be made at least 10 working days before a licence is required. In an emergency, please contact the Licensing Service for advice on exceptional circumstances. Please note you must complete a separate form for each activity.
Please ensure that the £50 fee is enclosed with the application(s). The fee covers administrative costs and officer time on site, and is non-refundable. It is however credited against the total fee due for an application at the address in question.
Once your application and payment have been received, officers will arrange a site meeting, where the existing condition of the highway will be noted. At the meeting, you will be advised of any specific conditions with which you will need to comply, the fee due (after off-setting the £50 payment already made) and a deposit. The deposit is taken to off-set the costs of any remedial work if you cause damage to the highway. If there is no damage, the deposit is refunded in full.
To make an application you must submit:
- a completed application form
- Public Liability Insurance information
- Initial fee of £50 and
after the site visit:
- remainder of the fee and
- payment of deposit
Please note that the remaining fee and deposit should be paid within 5 days of the site visit
Application forms are available from Hackney Licensing Service on request, or can be downloaded from the download section on this page.
Extending your Licence
Licences are usually issued for a period of three months. If your activity is going on longer than that, you can apply to extend the licence. There is a cost for this. For further details on extending a licence please contact the Licensing Service.
Refunds
When you have cleared the site, you can apply for a refund of your deposit. An officer will visit to check the state of the highway and advise if remedial works are needed. You will be advised of the cost and any refund will be adjusted accordingly.
Page updated: 5 Apr 2011
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