Licensing of Skips, Scaffolds, and Hoardings Placed on the Highway

When is a licence required?

If you intend to place a skip, or erect a scaffold or hoarding on the highway, then you need a licence.  These licences are known as a 'skip permit' or 'scaffold / hoarding permit'.

The reason a licence is needed to place a skip on the highway is contained under Section 139 of the Highways Act 1980.   The reason a licence is needed to place a scaffold or hoarding on the highway is contained under Section 169 of the Highways Act 1980. 

You do not need a licence from the council to place a skip, scaffold or hoarding on private property.

Who should apply?

The skip hire operator / scaffolding company should apply to the council for the licence.
 
The reason for this is because the applicants are required to carry Public Liability Insurance to the value of £5 million per claim.

We strongly recommend you check out the credentials of the company you are using before hiring a skip or arranging for a scaffold / hoarding to be placed on the highway.  Enforcement action may be taken by the council in respect of illegal obstructions of the highway.

How to apply

Apply online:

Apply for skip permit

 Apply for scaffold permit

Please note we require 10 working days notice for a scaffold permit application to allow the consultation period to take place.

Charges

An application to place a skip on the highway is £38.00.
(Please note skip permits are only valid for a maximum of 28 days before re-application is required)

Unauthorised / late applications to place a skip on the highway is £113.00.

Application to erect a scaffold or hoarding on the highway is £189.00 for consideration of the licence and the first 28 days or part there of (Total charge is a single payment charged on deposit of the application). For every additional 28 day period of part thereof will be charged at £80.00.

A monthly invoice will be raised to the applicant covering the charges for all permits processed on the applicant's behalf during that period.

Terms and Conditions

Skip licence terms and conditions

Scaffolding and hoarding terms and conditions

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

No. 

It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. 

Public Register

A public register is kept which can be viewed by contacting us and arranging a convenient time.

Contact

Telephone: 0191 211 6102

Email for skip permits: skip.permits@newcastle.gov.uk

Email for scaffold permits: scaffold.permits@newcastle.gov.uk

Post: Building Control Section
Civic Centre
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8QH

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