Apply to carry out demolition work

Use this service if:

  • you are planning to carry out demolition of the whole or part of a building (exceptions may apply - refer to the guidance below)

You must submit an application form to the Council at least 6 weeks before the demolition work is due to start.

Demolition works should not start until either the 6 weeks have elapsed or we serve a Notice under Section 81 of the Building Act 1984.

Completion takes around 6 minutes.

Before you start

You need to provide the following information:

  • the address where the demolition work will take place
  • information about the person or organisation who owns the property
  • information about the person or organisation who will carry out the demolition works
  • the proposed demolition date
  • information about asbestos in the building
  • a site plan with the proposed building outlined in red

Further guidance

Liability 

Section 80 of the Building Act 1984 prohibits any person undertaking any demolition works unless a notice of intent has been deposited with the Council. Any person failing to comply with the section shall be liable to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

  1. If you fail to give notice to the Local Authority, the person undertaking demolition is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale.
  2. The council may serve upon you within six weeks of receipt of your Notice, a Notice requiring you to undertake certain obligations regarding the stability and weather-tightness of adjoining buildings, the condition in which the site is left and the disconnection of drainage and utility services.
When notice is not needed 

A notice does not need to be served for the following work:

  • a demolition in pursuance of a demolition order made under the Housing Act 1957, and
  • a demolition
    1. of an internal part of a building, where the building is occupied and it is intended that it should continue to be occupied.
    2. of a building that has a cubic content (as ascertained by external measurement) of not more than 1750 cubic feet (50 cubic metres), or where a greenhouse, conservatory, shed or prefabricated garage or
    3. without prejudice to sub-paragraph (2) above, of an agricultural building (as defined in section 26 of the General Rate Act 1967) unless it is contiguous to another building that is not itself an agricultural building or a building of a kind mentioned in that sub-paragraph.
Planning consent 

Planning consent for demolition may be required under the planning acts if any of the following conditions apply:

  • Listed building consent is required:
    • to demolish any building, part of a building or any structure attached to or within the curtilage of a building listed under Section 1 and 3 of the planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as being Special Architecture or Historic Interest or a building which is subject to a Building Preservation Order or Notice.
    • to alter or extend any listed building, alterations include all internal alterations.
  • Conservation area consent is required:
    • to demolish or partially demolish an unlisted building or structure within a Conservation Area (there are certain exceptions).
  • Prior notification of demolition works is required
    • for the demolition of dwelling houses, of building adjoining dwelling houses, and certain other buildings, where the volume exceeds 50 cubic metres.

Should any of the above notes apply, you should contact our planning service.