When hoarding is mandatory
Basement digs in CAs, demolition projects with neighbour proximity, and any project where the contractor occupies public footpath for >2 weeks. Camden, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster enforce hoarding requirements strictly; outer boroughs more flexible.
Hoarding types
Heras fencing: temporary, £15–£25/m/month, useful for early enabling works. Plywood-on-timber hoarding 2.4m: £80–£120/m installed. Acoustic hoarding with mass-loaded vinyl: £140–£200/m, used near schools, hospitals or residential sensitive receptors. Branded vinyl wrap or graphic finish adds £20–£60/m.
Hidden costs
Footpath licence and pedestrian gantry: £200–£600/month. Lighting strip (mandatory under highways code): £40–£90/m. CCTV at access gates: £400–£800 setup. Adapt-mid-job moves (e.g. when scaffold goes up) add £400–£900 each.
