Do I need give notice before a demolition? 

Read our demolition guidance notes for details of when a demolition notice is required. Not all demolition work requires a demolition notice. You don't need a demolition for the following: 

• For the demolition of the internal part of a building, where the building is occupied and it is intended that it should continue to be occupied
• Where the external volume of the building to be demolished is not greater than 50 m³
• If the building is a greenhouse, shed, conservatory or prefabricated garage
• If the building is an agricultural building - as defined by section 26 of the General Rate Act 1967, unless it is built against a building that is itself not an agricultural building.

If you wish to demolish a building that is not in the above group, you must notify our Building Control Team.

How to submit a demolition notice 

Complete the demolition notice and submit it at least 6 weeks before the demolition is to be carried out. Once we've received the demolition notice and site plan, with the site outlined in red, we will set out the steps to be followed to ensure that the building is demolished in a safe and satisfactory manner. These may include: 

• Shoring up adjacent buildings
• Weatherproofing areas of adjacent buildings exposed by the demolition
• Repairing or making good damage caused to adjacent buildings by the demolition
• Removing rubbish and clearing the site
• The disconnection, sealing or removal of any drainage under the building
• Making arrangements with the appropriate statutory authorities for the disconnection of water, gas and electricity from the building
• Informing the local fire authority if buildings or materials are to be burnt on site
• Ensuring that the site is adequately fenced or otherwise protected to prevent danger to those on or near the site

We may choose to be notified of some of these steps so we can carry out inspections to ensure they are carried out correctly.