Midlothian Council
Education, Communities
and Economy
Fairfield House
8 Lothian Road
Dalkeith EH22 3ZN
Tel 0131 270 7500
Fax 0131 271 3537
www.midlothian.gov.uk/buildingstandards
v6
Application for Permission to Erect and Use a Temporary Raised
Structure
Introduction
An application under Section 89 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 is required for permission to
erect and use a temporary raised structure or structures. A fee is payable to Midlothian Council for this service.
A temporary raised structure means a platform, stand, staging or other similar structure which is 600mm or
more above surrounding ground/floor level, and which provides seating or standing accommodation for
viewing or working. It does not matter if the event in which the structure is to be used for is free or fee paying.
A temporary raised structure is one located on site for a period of no longer than 28 days. If the structure is to
be on site for longer, building warrant approval will be required (for the building warrant application process,
see www.midlothian.gov.uk/buildingstandards).
Procedure
a) Pre-build
1) Application form ‘Part 1 - Permission to erect a temporary raised structure’, accompanying
information and fee is submitted to Midlothian Council. See guidance notes for
timing of the application
and information required to accompany an application.
2) Consultations should take place with other relevant advisory bodies.
The application to erect is then assessed by Midlothian Council and if competent and complete, and
consultations have been completed, permission to erect shall be granted. This permission only gives
consent to erect and not to use the structure.
b) Erect structure(s)
The structure or structures is/are erected on site.
c) Post-build
1) The structure or structures is/are inspected by a competent person.
2) Application form ‘Part 2 - Permission to use a temporary raised structure’, including the declaration
of inspection and sign-off, is submitted to Midlothian Council.
The application to use the structure is then assessed by Midlothian Council and if competent and complete,
permission to use the structure shall be granted. Depending on the nature of the structure(s) and the
event, Midlothian Council may undertake a site visit prior to granting permission to use. This visit may be in
association with the Fire and Rescue Service.
Please see the accompanying guidance notes for further information.
Part 1 - Application for Permission to Erect a Temporary Raised Structure
1. Contact details
a) Client*
b) Agent (if applicable)
Name:
.....................................................................
Name:
Address:
.....................................................................
Address:
Town/city:
.....................................................................
Town/city:
Post code:
.....................................................................
Post code:
Telephone/mobile
.....................................................................
Telephone/mobile
Email address:
.....................................................................
Email address:
The client is responsible for the safety of users of the temporary raised structure(s). If the client is a firm, company etc., please state the address of the
Registered or Principal Office.
c) Engineer (if different from Agent)
d) Contractor (if known)
Name:
.....................................................................
Name:
Address:
.....................................................................
Address:
Town/city:
.....................................................................
Town/city:
Post code:
.....................................................................
Post code:
Telephone/mobile
.....................................................................
Telephone/mobile
Email address:
.....................................................................
Email address:
2. Event details
a)
Address/location of event
..........................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................
Post code:
......................................
b)
Title of event
..........................................................................................................................................................
c)
Nature of event
..........................................................................................................................................................
d)
Date erection of temporary raised
structure(s) will be completed
.................................................................................................................................
e)
Date(s) of event
.................................................................................................................................
3. Details of proposed raised structure (if more than one structure, please use Appendix 1 and tick here
)
a)
Nature of structure (for example stage,
seating, etc.)
.................................................................................................................................
b)
Supplier
.................................................................................................................................
c)
Maximum number of persons
accommodated on the structure
.................................................................................................................................
d)
How will access on to the structure be
controlled (for example,
artists only, free
public access, stewarded, etc.)?
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
4. Fees
See guidance note 3 for details regarding submission timescales and surcharge:
Large scale events (more than 5000 attendees) - fee negotiable, with a maximum total fee of £1572.00.
Medium scale events (up to 5000 attendees) - a fee of £265.00 will be charged plus £53.00 for each individual
structure, up to a maximum total fee of £795.00.
Small scale commercial events (up to 500 attendees) - a fee of £131.00 will be charged.
Solely for repeat/annual small scale commercial events (which utilise the same structural elements at each event
and are signed off by a competent person at completion) - a fee of £84.00 will be charged.
Midlothian Council reserves the right to alter this fee structure in light of number of attendees, the number of raised
structures involved, the nature of the event, or additional workload required to process an application. At Midlothian
Council’s discretion, for example registered charities or similar, the fee may be waived.
Please note that an application
will not be registered or processed until the appropriate fee has been paid in full.
5. Payment
If paying by cheque, please enclose your cheque, made payable to Midlothian Council, with this application. For
payments via debit or credit card, telephone 0131 271 3147 during office hours. Please say that your payment is for
Building Standards Temporary Raised Structures and give your address. If you paid the relevant fee using the
Council’s telephone payment system, please provide the receipt reference and the date of payment.
Cheque enclosed:
Telephone receipt reference:
.........................................
Date paid:
......................................
6. Declaration
I/We hereby declare that the details provided in this form are true and correct.
I
/We enclose the relevant details for the structure(s) (see guidance note 4).
I/We understand that the
structure must not be used until such time as this application has been approved and the
permission for use issued by Midlothian Council.
Signed:
....................................................
Block capitals:
.......................................................
Date:
......................................
Signatory’s Company:
..........................................................................................................................................
Guidance notes
(page 1 of 2)
1.
Examples of temporary raised structures
Section 89 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 aims to ensure that temporary raised structures are
safe for the public on and around them. Temporary raised structures are often used at sports, musical, and
corporate events. Examples include:
temporary grandstands providing seating or standing at golf, bowling, circus, pop concerts, hall staging,
or
boxing events,
stages at concerts,
video screens and media platforms for cameramen, and
tent or marquee structures not in direct contact with the ground.
2.
Other permissions
Any permission granted in respect of this application does not exempt the applicant from obtaining
any other
required statutory permissions, for example Town and Country Planning.
3.
Timing of application and surcharge
The application must be submitted as far in advance of the event as is possible and no less than 14 working
d
ays prior to small scale events. Longer lead in time will be required for medium and large scal
e
a
pplications. Any application submitted less than 14 working days prior to the event will incur a surcharg
e
f
ee equal to the total fee paid for express processing and it is important to note that we do not guarantee
that such a late application will be processed in time.
4.
Documentation accompanying an application
The documentation accompanying an application should enable the basis of the design to be clearly
understood and the design criteria to be verified. In general, the design should comply with the relevant
sections of the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and the Guide to Safety at Sports Ground
(Green Guide).
a) Structural requirements:
1) The documentation should include structural drawings, certificates, statements of loading and
specifications including the maximum wind speed that the temporary structure is designed to withstand.
2) The plans must specify the nature of the ground on which the structure is to be sited, how loading is to
b
e spread and, where appropriate, the bearing capacity of the surface.
3) The plans must be accompanied by a specification to show sizes and types of all materials used in the
structure.
4) The plans must be accompanied by structural certification (see form Design certificate for the erection
of a temporary raised structure) relating to the strength and stability of the structure
.
5) I
n the case of a proprietary system, manufacturer’s literature/details of the platform/staging is to be
submitted. Where the structure is a special or non-standard system, evidence should be provided that an
independent design check has been carried out by a Chartered Engineer having appropriate skill a
nd
ex
perience.
6) To demonstrate contingency planning will be in place prior to the event, evidence must be provided to
c
onfirm a wind management plan will be in place to safely respond to the eventuality of wind speeds
approaching design limits set out in appropriate codes.
b) General requirements:
A block plan, to a scale of not less than 1:200, showing or noting (where appropriate) the:
1) proposed use of the raised structure(s).
2) dimensions and location of the area to be occupied by the raised structure(s).
3) number of persons the structure(s) are designed to accommodate.
4) type of seating i.e. fixed or tip up.
5) rows of seating and spacing between the seating - the number of seats in each row should be noted.
6) means of escape to be shown, including location and width of all access/escape gangways and passages.
7) construction and height of all balustrades and handrails.
8) front of stage barrier provision (in the case of a music event).
9) rise and going of all stairs.
10) specification for surface finishes to gangway and access/exit paths.
11) position and width of any adjacent roads and/or buildings.
12) details of the rigging utilised for the lighting, PA system etc
.
13) number and position of wheelchair spaces -
access and means of escape provision to them should also be
noted.
14) access provisions for people with disabilities/special needs.
15) details of how unauthorised entry is to be permitted to the underside of the structure(s).
Guidance notes (page 2 of 2)
b) General requirements (continued):
16) fully detailed layout of all emergency lighting.
17) details of ironmongery and signage to fire exit doors.
18) e
lectrical works undertaken and considered to be part of the raised structure require to be completed and
certified by a suitability qualified person. The associated electrical certification requires to take the form
of either:
a) A Certificate of Construction (Electrical Installations, to BS7671) as per SELECT or NICEIC
registered schemes, or
b) BS 7671 certification, accompanied with proof of competency of the installer, i.e. photocopy of
current grading card (both sides) or suitable qualifications (obtained within last 5 years).
c) Additional requirements for tents and marquees (meeting example in section 1 above):
In addition to the structural and general requirements detailed above, on the block plan, showing or noting
(where appropriate) the:
1) holding down arrangements.
2) details of the fabrics and drapes used.
3) specification/standards of all platts provided at the exit doors.
4) details of floors.
5.
Inspection of erected structure and sign off
Prior to the event, evidence must be provided that an inspection of the temporary raised structure has been
carried out by a competent person,
to confirm that the independent erection checks have been carried out and
that the temporary raised structure has been erected in accordance with the design drawings and
documentation.
6.
Use of a temporary raised structure
No person shall use or permit the use of a temporary raised structure for the purpose of providing raised
seating or standing accommodation, unless such use has been approved by Midlothian Council. Approval
will be granted for the use of a temporary raised structure if Midlothian Council is satisfied that it has been
safely constructed and secured, and that it has sufficient means of entrance and exit, including means of
escape in case of fire or other emergency.
Any person who uses a temporary raised structure without consent shall be guilty of an offence and be
liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 4 (£2500) on the standard scale.
8. Data Protection Act 2018
For information on how your personal data is used by Building Standards visit our data protection page here.
9. Please return your submission, form and fee to:
Building Standards,
Fairfield
House,
8 Lothian Road,
Dalkeith,
Midlothian
EH22 3ZN
If you require any further information on how to apply for consent for a raised structure under the Section 89
of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, please contact the Building Standards Manager, John
Delamar on 0131 271 3322.
Appendix 1 - Application for Permission to Erect a Temporary Raised Structure
Details of proposed multiple temporary raised structures
Please complete in BLOCK LETTERS
Number
Nature of structure (for example stage,
seating, etc.)
Supplier
Maximum number of
persons accommodated on
the structure
How will access on to the structure be controlled
(for example, artists only, free public access,
stewarded, etc.)?
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
Midlothian Council
Education, Communities
and Economy
Fairfield House
8 Lothian Road
Dalkeith EH22 3ZN
Tel 0131 270 7500
Fax 0131 271 3537
www.midlothian.gov.uk/buildingstandards
v6
Design Certificate for the Erection of a Temporary Raised Structure
Design certificate
An application to erect a temporary raised structure or structures must be accompanied by a design certificate
relating to the strength and stability of the structure(s). Evidence of competence of the designer should be
provided by way of qualifications. Evidence of public liability and professional indemnity insurance should
also be provided.
Please read the guidance notes accompanying this form for further information.
1. Declaration
I hereby declare that:
a)
the raised structure or structures at:
.................................................................................................................................
......................................................................
Post code:
…..................................
b)
for the purpose of:
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
has been designed in accordance with the recommendations of British Standard (BS) 5950. The steel tubes and
fittings comply with BS 1139 and all other materials with the appropriate British Standard Specification.
Where tubes and fittings other than steel are to be used, or proprietary systems, full details are to be given, wi
th
Test Certificates, where required, to prove structural stability and/or compliance with the relevant British
Standard/Code of Practice.
I also certify that the structure will be adequately supported on firm ground of the required bearing capacity, or
otherwise adequately supported (give details of structure, including structural aspects relating to access and
means of escape) and complying with BS 5973.
Before putting the structure or structures into use, the form Part 2 - Application for permission to use a
temporary raised structure, including the declaration of inspection and sign-off, is to be submitted to and
approved by Midlothian Council.
2. Structural Engineer’s details
a)
Name
.................................................................................................................................
b)
Designation
.................................................................................................................................
c)
Qualifications
.................................................................................................................................
d)
Professional membership
.................................................................................................................................
e)
Company
.................................................................................................................................
f)
Address
.................................................................................................................................
......................................................................
Post code:
…..................................
g)
Telephone
.................................................................................................................................
h)
Email
.................................................................................................................................
i)
Summary of Public Liability and
Professional Indemnity insurance
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
Signed:
....................................................
Block capitals:
.......................................................
Date:
......................................
Please submit this Design certificate with the Part 1 - Application for permission to erect a temporary raised structure form.
Guidance Notes for Design Certificate
1.
Vertical loading
The structure or structures should be designed to withstand the imposed loadings given in Table 1 of BS6399: Part 1:
1996. These loadings vary depending on the use of the structure or structures.
2.
Horizontal loading
a) Notional horizontal loading - Notional horizontal loads should be applied as specified in the various materials
design codes.
b) Wind loading - Wind loads should be taken into account when the structure or structures is/are erected outdoors
adjacent to large openings to the outside of a building. The wind loads should be derived from either CP3: Ch V:
Part 2, or BS6399: Part 2. The basic wind speed for Midlothian is 51m/s when using CP3 and 24.5m/s when usi
ng
BS6399.
c) Horizontal loading to handrails etc. - Handrails, balustrades etc., should be designed to resist the loads specified in
Table 4 of BS6399: Part 1: 1996. Where the raised structure or structures is/are bounded by walls, they should also
be designed to resist these loads. In addition, fixings should also be designed to transfer the loads to the structure.
Note that handrails and balustrades to stairs should also be designed to resist these loads.
3.
Drawings
Drawings should be supplied showing the structural details. The details should include structural member type, size
and centres, connection details, fixing details etc.
The drawings should show the structure or structures that is/are intended to be erected in Midlothian and should be
supplied as soon as possible, to allow time for checking.
4.
Calculations
Calculations should relate to the structure(s) as shown on the drawings.
5.
Site erection
Erection of the structure or structures should be supervised by a responsible person with experience of the erection of
similar structures.
Where the structure or structures is/are to be erected outdoors, a competent person should carry out a prior site visit
to check that the location is suitable.
Points to be considered should include:
a) does the ground slope sharply or undulate,
b) does the surface have sufficient bearing capacity, and
c) are there any overhead cables or underground services.
6.
General
Useful guidance is given in the publications:
a) Temporary Demountable Structures - guidance on procurement, design and use, 3
rd
Edition, by The Institution
of
Structural Engineers 2007; an
d
b) G
uide to Safety at Sports Grounds(The Green Guide), 5
th
Edition, 2008.
The appropriate Structural Eurocodes may be utilised.
Midlothian Council
Education, Communities
and Economy
Fairfield House
8 Lothian Road
Dalkeith EH22 3ZN
Tel 0131 270 7500
Fax 0131 271 3537
www.midlothian.gov.uk/buildingstandards
v6
Application for Permission to Erect and Use a Temporary Raised Structure
Use of a temporary raised structure
No p
erson shall use or permit the use of a temporary raised structure or structures unless such use has
been approved by Midlothian Council.
Please read the guidance notes for further information.
Part 2 - Application for Permission to Use a Temporary Raised Structure
1. Application details (see Permission to erect a temporary raised structure issued by Midlothian Council)
a)
Reference of application to erect a
temporary raised structure
.................................................................................................................................
b)
Client
.................................................................................................................................
Client’s address
.................................................................................................................................
......................................................................
Post code:
…..................................
c)
Agent
.................................................................................................................................
Agent’s address
.................................................................................................................................
......................................................................
Post code:
…..................................
d)
Title of event
.................................................................................................................................
e)
Location of event
.................................................................................................................................
......................................................................
Post code:
…..................................
f)
Date(s) of event
.................................................................................................................................
g)
Details of raised structure(s)
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
2. Declaration of inspection and sign-off
I hereby confirm that the structure(s) details above has/have been:
a)
Prior to erection - inspected and confirmed to be in a good state of repair such that they will meet the
design requirements when erected.
b)
Erected in accordance with the method statements outlined in the project management documentation, the
designers drawings and specifications, and the manufacturers’ recommendations.
c)
Inspected by the competent person following erection and confirmed to be completed in
accordance with the
design certificate and relevant British Standards and/or Codes of Practice.
I/We hereby declare that the
erected structure(s) is/are safe for the intended use.
I/We understand that the
structure(s)
must not be used until such time as this application has been approved and
the permission for use issued by Midlothian Council.
Signed:
....................................................
Block capitals:
.......................................................
Date:
......................................
Signatory’s Company:
..........................................................................................................................................
Please return this form to:
Building Standards, Fairfield House, 8 Lothian Road, Dalkeith, Midlothian EH22 3ZN