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Demolition - control and advice

Generally the demolition of buildings (or parts of a building) over a certain size needs to be notified to the local authority before the demolition commences on site.

When the owner of a building over 1750ft3 (approximately 50m3) intends to have it demolished, Sections 80-83 of the Building Act 1984 require that formal notification be given to Building Control at least six weeks before any demolition work starts. This is to enable all appropriate people and organisations to be advised of the proposed demolition and to ensure that measures to protect the public and/or to preserve public amenities are put in place.

The notice issued should specify the building it relates to and the work of demolition intended to be carried out. Copies of the notice should be given to the occupiers of any adjacent building, SGN (Southern Gas Networks), Southern Electricity or SWEB as appropriate, Dorset Fire and Rescue Service and Wessex Water or South West Water as appropriate. It will assist us to process the application if a site plan is also provided and all relevant contact details included.

At least six weeks notification is needed before the start of demolition. We will write back to you as soon as possible, notifying you of your obligations under the Act. Once you have received such notification you may start the demolition works; otherwise you should wait until the six weeks has elapsed.

Note: It is an offence to demolish a building without the necessary notice being given.

Planning Permission

Please note that Planning/Listed Building/Conservation Area Permission may also be required before the demolition of certain types of buildings starts. Further information is available direct from the Development Control Service of each local authority.

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