You need a licence whenever scaffolding stands on or over a public pavement, road or highway. In Surrey, including Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead, Leatherhead, Banstead, Tadworth, Esher and the rest of Elmbridge, the licence comes from Surrey County Council as the highway authority, not the borough or district council. Scaffolding built entirely on private land does not need one.
Who issues scaffold licences in Surrey
Surrey County Council issues scaffolding and hoarding licences for public roads and pavements across the county. There is one local exception worth knowing: for Epsom Market Place, applications go to Epsom and Ewell Borough Council instead. In the London boroughs next door, such as Sutton, Kingston and Merton, each borough issues its own licences.
How much a scaffold licence costs
Surrey County Council charges £194 for each 28-day period, and the same fee to renew if the scaffold needs to stay up longer. Extra charges can apply if you also need things like a temporary road closure or traffic signals.
How long it takes
Apply at least 10 working days before the scaffold is due to go up; the council aims to process applications within that time. For an urgent unsafe structure, such as storm damage, the council can issue an emergency licence. This is why a good scaffolder starts the paperwork as soon as you accept the quote.
What the council asks for
- Public liability insurance of at least £10 million (STR Scaffolding is insured to £10 million)
- A labelled, dimensioned drawing of the scaffold layout
- A clear pedestrian route of at least 1.2 metres
- At least 2.4 metres headroom over the footway
- At least 0.5 metres clearance from the kerb
- Any traffic management plan or road closure approval the job needs
Who applies, you or the scaffolder?
In practice the scaffolding company applies, because the application needs its insurance, drawings and dates. STR Scaffolding handles licence applications for customers across Epsom, Surrey and South West London and shows the fee separately on the quote.
Need a scaffolding quote?
STR Scaffolding is based in Epsom and works across Surrey and South West London. Free site visit, fixed written quote, licence handled for you.
Common questions
Do I need a licence for scaffolding on my driveway?
Not if the scaffold stays entirely on your own land. You only need a licence when any part of it stands on or over a public pavement, road or highway.
Who issues scaffold licences in Epsom?
Surrey County Council, as the highway authority. The exception is Epsom Market Place, where you apply to Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.
How long does a Surrey scaffold licence last?
Each licence covers a 28-day period. If the scaffold needs to stay up longer, the licence is extended for a further fee.