Scaffolding permit

Scaffolding, which encroaches or projects onto or over the highway, requires a licence.

Safe walking zones must be provided at ground level when carrying out building work, maintenance or demolition to any property which is adjacent to the road (carriageway, footpath or alley).

If you are only tendering please do not apply for a permit as you may be charged.

Short Term Permits are valid for a minimum of 28 Days. With a maximum of 365 days for Major Developments / Projects, please contact us first to arrange a meeting to discuss highwaylicences@manchester.gov.uk

Attachments required 
Plans and drawings as follows:

• A pre-site photograph must be provided by the applicant, showing highway condition;
• An on-site photograph of scaffold in place; and 
• A site clear photograph will be required once scaffold has been removed 

Please note:
There is an embargo within the city centre perimeter that no scaffolding can be erected dates will be advised at the time of your application.

Until you receive your licence, you do not have permission to work on the highway - you must wait until the application has been processed before work commences as a copy of the licence must be displayed on site and in a place where it can easily be seen, (as per section 19 of the terms and conditions) including a 24/7 emergency contact for applicant. 

Only apply for a scaffolding permit from us if the location fails within Manchester City Council check which council.

All payments must be made via the online application form either by credit or debit card.

Scaffolding fees: Administration charge £167 plus every month, the structure is subject to the following monthly inspection charge:

• Inspection fee (area up to 25m2) £86 per four week period  
• Inspection fee (area up to 50m2) £126 per four week period  
• Inspection fee (area up to 75m2) £167 per four week period  
• Inspection fee (area up to 100m2) £209 per four week period  
• Inspection fee (area up to 125m2) £252 per four week period  
• Inspection fee (area greater than 125m2) £294 per four week period  

Note -  we define a month as a four week period

Once an application has been submitted and you no longer require the permit then you need to send us an email to cancel the process.

Apply for a scaffolding permit

Terms and conditions

The following documents will need to be uploaded within the application process:

• Evidence of valid 'Public Liability' Insurance (not less than £10 million); and
• A scale plan of the site showing the position of the structure/obstruction on the highway/road.

Applications should include Evidence of valid 'Public Liability' Insurance (not less than £10 million) and a scale plan of the site showing the position of the structure/obstruction on the highway/road. Both of these documents can be emailed to highwaylicences@manchester.gov.uk.

Once your application has been submitted, we will contact you within 20 working days.

Please note, in some instances we may need to visit the proposed site and discuss the works in more detail, before we are able to progress the application.

Highways Act 1980 Section 169

The licence is valid for the period approved. Permits are valid for a maximum of 365 days, if you require a permit for longer, then please contact us first to discuss.