Licences for skips, scaffolding and hoardings

All activities on the highway are controlled using licences. To place skips, scaffolding, builders' materials or hoardings on a highway in Essex, you need to apply to Essex County Council. You may do so by selecting the links above depending upon which licence you require.

Only skip contractors may apply for a skip licence and only scaffolding contractors may apply for a scaffolding licence. Only relevant contractors or commercial organisations may apply for a hoarding licence. Essex County Council does not accept applications from private individuals.

Essex County Council does not process licences for Southend and Thurrock. You will need to liaise with your Local Authority directly. Essex County Council will process applications only from contractors and commercial organisations and with a public liability insurance of £10m and who are able to include a copy of a certificate confirming this at the time of their application. The maximum skip size permitted on the highway is a 6 yard skip. 

The licence will be valid for 7 calendar days from date of issue. If a skip needs to remain on the highway for a longer period of time, a further renewal application is required. A period of three working days from receipt is required to process the renewal.

The licence will be valid for up to one month from date of issue. If the scaffolding needs to remain on the highway for a longer period of time, a further renewal application is required. A period of three working days from receipt is required to process the renewal.

Skip licence: 5 working days from receipt. Scaffolding licence: 15 working days from receipt.

Application £15.50; Renewal £10

Application £69.35; Renewal £69.35

As indicated above, all applications should now be made online by selecting the links provided.