Demolition control

Information about what you need to do before you can demolish a structure.

Exemptions

Exemptions to the above apply if:

• the building volume is less than 50m3
• the demolition is of an internal part of an occupied building, which is intended to remain occupied
• the building is a greenhouse, conservatory, shed or prefabricated garage
• the building is an agricultural building not connected to another non-agricultural building
• the demolition is in accordance with a demolition order under the Housing Act 1985

You should consult S80 of the Building Act for more information on these exemptions and contact the council’s building control for guidance.

How to apply

Please complete the Demolition Notice Form and send it to us with a location plan showing the site, and a block plan showing the buildings to be demolished. Your notice should state the extent of the demolition work, the location of the building and the expected start date.

You can send it to us by email, post or in person. Once received, it shall be registered and acknowledged in writing, along with any initial requirements. 

The demolition acknowledgement notice

The council notice will detail any work that is requested to be carried out to adjacent properties or services on the demolition site.  This is to ensure that existing services are sealed and made safe, support and weatherproofing is provided to adjacent buildings, property arrangements are made for the disposal of materials arising from the demolition and that the site is left in a safe condition at the end of the work.

Start of work

Work can only start after the acknowledgment notice has been received or six weeks has expired since you served notice on the council.

When work starts, you should contact the council’s building control to arrange an inspection of the site and advise you of any special measures that need to be undertaken. The council’s building control will then monitor the demolition works as necessary.