Licence for Scaffolding on the Highway - S.169 Licence

Apply Online for a Scaffolding Licence


A licence is required to erect scaffolding on a public highway. This includes private streets where the public have right of access. You don't need a licence to place scaffolding on private roads.

Every application is considered on an individual basis and site specific conditions may be applied to ensure public safety. Please note that scaffolding companies must apply on behalf of their customers.

You should make an application for a scaffolding licence online, no less than seven working days before the date you wish to erect the scaffold on the Highway. 

A fee of £114, plus £65 per week, is payable for this licence.

Please make sure that you are applying for the correct type of licence before you confirm payment. You should also check that the location is within West Berkshire (a map of the district can be accessed here). To cover our administration costs we can generally only offer a 50% refund where licence applications contain errors or where applicants withdraw their application before it has been granted. Once an application has been processed and granted, we are not able to give refunds if you tell us you no longer need the licence.

Application Supporting Documents

To support your application, you are required to provide the following documents:

• A copy of your current insurance policy
• Receipt of your last premium payment

Your policy should indemnify West Berkshire Council to a limit of £5 million in respect of each and every third party claim, action, demand, expense and liability arising out of or by reason of anything done, or omitted to be done, in respect of temporarily erecting scaffolding on the Highway.