Scaffolding in Cheshunt and Waltham Cross

What kinds of building do people scaffold here?

Cheshunt and Waltham Cross sit at the southern end of Hertfordshire, close to the M25 and the Lea Valley, and the housing mixes several eras. There are Victorian and Edwardian terraces near the older streets, a lot of mid-twentieth century housing, and some large later estates. Part of the area was once glasshouse nurseries, and some of that land has since been redeveloped for housing and business use.

Waltham Cross has a busy centre with shops, flats above them and several larger blocks. Goffs Oak and the villages on the edge of the countryside have bigger plots, with detached houses and bungalows.

Which scaffolding jobs are typical?

• re-roofing and chimney repairs on older terraces and bungalows
• loft conversions and extensions on the semi-detached and terraced houses
• painting, render repair and gutter work on blocks of flats
• repair and refit work on shops along the main roads
• access for units and warehouses on the business parks

A bungalow roof may need only a low scaffold, while a three-storey block of flats needs a tall, wide frame with netting.

What changes for flats and shared buildings?

Blocks of flats here, and the flats above shops in Waltham Cross, are usually managed by a freeholder or management company, who is normally the client for exterior work. Leaseholders should ask them first, as a contractor may already be arranged.

Will the scaffold need a licence?

On a road with front gardens, probably not. On the older streets with terraces opening onto the pavement, and on shop frontages, probably yes. In Cheshunt and Waltham Cross the licence comes from Broxbourne Borough Council, as the county council's scaffolding licence page confirms, and the scaffolder usually applies for it. Conditions can cover where the scaffold stands and keeping a clear route for people walking past.

Mention it in your enquiry if the building is on a main road or beside a bus stop.

Are there any other points to check?

Neighbours on closely packed streets are often only a metre or so from your wall. If the scaffold needs to sit on their land, or the sheeting will lean over it, ask first.

Your scaffolder has duties of their own. They design the scaffold and have it inspected before first use, at least every seven days, and after any event that might affect it.

How do I enquire?

Send your postcode and the details of the job.