Demolitions

When do I need to notify of demolition of Building(s)?

Under section 80 of The Building Act 1984, owners who want to demolish any building or part of a building, in excess of 50 cubic metres, will need to inform the Partnership. At least six weeks prior to commencing demolition you need to submit:

What happens once I have given notice to the Partnership?

When we have received your notification and assessed the works to be undertaken, we will send you the counter notice (under Section 81 of The Building Act 1984) which gives a time period for the demolition to take place and listing the conditions imposed on the demolition. These could include the following:

  • To shore up any adjacent building, if necessary, and weatherproof any surfaces which may be exposed by the demolition;
  • To repair and make good any damage to an adjacent building caused by the demolition;
  • To remove material or rubbish resulting from the clearance and demolition of the site or make such arrangements with regard to the burning of structures or materials on site as may be reasonably required;
  • To disconnect and seal, at such points as the Council may reasonably require, any sewer or drain in or under the building (*);
  • To remove any such sewer or drain and seal any sewer or drain with which the sewer or drain to be removed is connected (*);
  • To make good to the satisfaction of the Council the surface of the ground disturbed bythe demolition(*)(+);
  • To make arrangements with the relevant statutory undertakers for the disconnection of the supply of gas, electricity and water to the building;
  • Any specific conditions relating to the demolition of the building such as a demolition method statement, asbestos removal, dust suppression or site protection.

Once the demolition work starts you are required to inform us of the following:

  • Before you comply with the requirements of the paragraphs marked by * above you must give at least 48 hours notice to us;
  • Before you comply with the requirements of the paragraph marked by + above you must give at least 24 hours notice to us.

Copies of the counter notice will also be sent to:

  • The Demolition Contractor (if known);
  • National Grid UK;
  • Environment Agency;
  • Southern Water Services;
  • The Fire Safety Service;
  • The Local Authority Planning Department;
  • Any adjacent occupiers

DO NOT forget The Party Wall etc. Act as this may also apply. You may need to give separate notification under the Act to adjoining owners.

    Download the Party Wall etc. Act booklet(pdf 598kb)

    Demolition can start only:

    • After the counter notice is issued; or
    • six weeks after the owner wrote to the partnership informing us of their intention to demolish the building;
    • A building control surveyor will visit the site to ensure that the conditions in the notice are complied with.

    Demolition notification is not required for:

    • The building is less than 1750 cubic feet, measured externally (approximately 50 cubic metres);
    • The building is a greenhouse, conseravtory, shed or prefabricated garage, even if the building forms part of a larger building;
    • Certain agricultural buildings, unless it is near or touching another building that is not an agricultural building;
    • A demolition order under the Housing Act 1985 has been served.

    The above notice is in addition to any approvals required under planning or any other legislation.