Permission to use a raised structure (section 89)

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The Building Standards section is responsible for inspecting raised structures and issuing consent to use such structures under section 89 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. This consent is required for all raised structures which take the form of a platform, stand, staging or other similar structures, common examples are:

• temporary grandstands at sporting events,
• staging at pop concerts and other public events (including trailers used as a stage),
• a circus,
• media platforms.

To apply you must complete an application form, these applications can also be made electronically from the Businesslink website, however you should be aware that before you can access these forms you must register through the government gateway site.

Fees for raised structures are set at a base rate of £300 up to an occupant capacity of up to 2000 people in attendance. Where the occupant capacity is greater than 2000 the fee increases by £100 per 1000 people or part thereof. However, for small events where the occupant capacity of those in attendance is far less than 1000 people, the fee will be calculated on a time basis and where the structure is in association with a local gala day or similar event, then the council will have discretion in charging a fee. Please note that applications for permission to erect a raised structure will not be registered or processed until the appropriate fee has been paid in full.

On making formal application to the council for a raised structure the application form must be completed, accompanied by the Design Certificate (signed by a Structural Engineer) and a detailed plan to a scale of 1:100 including elevations and cross sections. The plans must be accompanied by a specification showing the sizes and types of materials used in the structure, the details of escape routes including widths of passage, gangway and seatways, stair details (rise, going, pitch, handrails etc).

When the raised structure has been erected a “Certificate of Completion of Erection and Inspection of a Raised Structure” must be signed by a competent person who has experience in erecting such structures.

Any person or party who uses or permits the use of a raised structure for the purpose of providing for her/himself or others raised accommodation without the approval of the council; or contravenes a condition contained in a notice served on them by the council, is guilty of an offence and may be liable, on a summary conviction, to a fine.

If you require any further information on how to apply for consent for a raised structure under the above Act please contact Mr A MacCalman on 0141 842 5282.

A manual register currently holds details of issued Certificates and can be accessed by appointment, please contact the above named persons or write to:

Development Standards Manager
Planning and Transport
Renfrewshire Council
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1LL

For more information:

• email: bc@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• phone: 0141 842 5282
• fax: 0141 842 5040
• call or write to us :
  Planning and Transport
  Renfrewshire House
  Cotton Street
  Paisley
  PA1 1LL