Scaffolding

Apply for a licence to place scaffolding on public highways.

1 Overview

A licence is required from West Sussex County Council to erect scaffolding and tower scaffolding on a public highway. This does not apply to private gated roads with no public right of way. Private roads that are not gated, where the public have a right of way to use them, will require a licence.

We require a minimum of 10 working days' advance notice from the date of application to the date the scaffolding will be erected.

The costs are:

  • 1 month scaffolding - £266
  • scaffolding (extension) - £178
  • 1 week tower scaffolding - £95
  • 2 weeks tower scaffolding - £150
  • 1 month tower scaffolding - £295

All scaffolding contractors are required to inform West Sussex County Council as soon as scaffolding is removed. If scaffolding requires an extension period, a request must be made before the proposed end date of the licence. Failure to do so will result in a £335 charge added to the license. If this charge isn't paid, we will withhold applications until this is resolved. 

Illegal scaffolds

Any structure erected or placed on West Sussex land without a valid licence is considered unauthorised and will be referred to our legal team.

Once a structure has been identified as unauthorised, a charge of £50 per day will be applied for each day it remains in place until a licence is issued. A retrospective licence will need to be submitted - this will cost £425.

Fast track service

Should you require more urgent approval, you have the option to use our fast track service. We aim to process fast track applications within 1 working day.

If you choose this option, an additional £52 will be added to the total cost of your application. In order to obtain this fast track licence, email highwayslicencing@westsussex.gov.uk before submitting your licence request.

Last updated:
1 April 2026
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