The Building Act 1984 contains provisions that enable local authorities to control demolition works for the protection of public safety and to ensure adjoining premises and the site are made good on completion of the demolition. A notice of conditions is issued that require certain works to be undertaken to achieve these aims.
Where demolition of a building takes place, the owner must inform the council. Building Control Services control demolition work under Section 80 of the Building Act 1984, and will visit the site to ensure that precautions are in place to safeguard the public.
Greenhouses, conservatories, prefabricated garages and sheds do not require permission to be demolished. Usually, if the building to be demolished has a volume of less than 1750 cubic feet (49.56 cubic metres), then permission is not required to knock it down.
Applications for demolition should be made to Building Control Services 6 weeks prior to the intended demolition. The notice given to Building Control Services must be by the person undertaking the work and should include
- the address of the building to be demolished
- owners name and address
- the extent of the demolition work
- name of the person carrying out the demolition
- the date the work will commence
- a Block Plan indicating the building or part to be demolished
It should also include a statement confirming that a copy of the notice has been sent to:
- the owners/occupiers of adjacent buildings
- Transco and YEDL
On receipt of the notice a surveyor from the council will carry out a site survey to determine what conditions will be necessary to control the process of demolition, the remedial works needed on adjoining buildings, the effect on services and the treatment of the site on completion. All of these plus any other relevant conditions will be included in a "Counter Notice" ( Section 81 Notice )which is then served on the person undertaking the demolition.
Demolition of certain buildings which are, or have been, in residential use, or adjacent to buildings in such use may require "Prior Approval" under the Planning Acts.
It may also be necessary to consult the Planning Officer who will advise whether the building(s) has or have any historical or architectural significance or whether the premises are situated in a conservation area. The purpose is to advise at an early stage whether specific and formal planning consent may be necessary for the demolition works. It is anticipated that this consultation period will take two weeks from the date the notice is given.
Advice on these matters is available from our development Enquiry Centre on Leeds (0113) 2224409.
Attention is also drawn to the Construction Design and Management Regulations 1994 that apply to all demolition works (Health and Safety Executive).