Demolition Notices

Giving notice to the Council

The Building Act 1994 requires that the Local Authority is advised in writing of any intended demolition. This applies to any demolition of the whole or part of a building. There are very limited exceptions. You may obtain advice on demolition work by contacting Building Control.

It is an offence for a person to start demolition works without giving six weeks notice prior to commencement and should a person commence demolition they are liable to prosecution.

Written notice to the Local Authority must specify the building, details of the works of demolition and the person undertaking the work. Also that:

1. The occupiers of adjacent buildings have been informed, and compliance with the Party Wall Act has been achieved.
2. The gas supply for the building has been terminated.
3. The electricity supply for the building has been terminated.
4. The water supply for the building has been terminated.
5. Drainage from the building/site will be sealed.
6. How the site will be secured following completion.

Anyone who intends to demolish a building or a part of a building, whether the owner or the demolition contractor, must serve the above mentioned notice on this Council's Building Control Department informing of their intentions before demolition work starts. Demolition may not commence until the Council has given permission or a period of six weeks has elapsed.

If the building is in a conservation area or is listed as being of architectural or historic interest, Listed Building Consent will also be required.

The only exemptions for serving a demolition notice are for buildings as follows:

• The demolition of an internal part of a building if the building continues to be occupied.
• Buildings having an external size of less than 50m³ (this volume is less than the size of an average double garage).
• Extensions on a larger building that consists of a domestic greenhouse, conservatory, shed or pre-fabricated garage.

For more information on serving a demolition notice please contact:

Address
Planning Policy and Development
Urban Environment
639 High Road
Tottenham
London
N17 8BD

Tel: 020 8489 5504
Fax: 020 8489 5229
Email: building.control@haringey.gov.uk

Other parties to be notified

The owner or demolition contractor must also provide the following with a copy of the notice which they serve on the Council.

The owners of any building adjacent to the building to be demolished.

• Gas Authority
• Electricity Authority
• Water Authority
• Fire Authority
• Health and Safety Executive

What will the Council do?

The Building Control Surveyors may visit the site concerned. They will also ensure that the appropriate copies of notice have been given to those mentioned above.

When giving approval for the demolition to take place the Council will require the owner/contractor to adhere to certain conditions, including:-

• Adequate shoring, repair and weather proofing of adjacent buildings.
• Removal of material or rubbish and disconnection, removal or sealing of drainage.
• The disconnection of Gas, Electricity and water supplies.
• The burning of materials on site in a controlled manner.

The Council gives approval by serving a counter notice on the person intending to carry out the demolition work, under Section 81 of the Building Act 1984. Failure to provide the appropriate Notice may lead to prosecution leading to a fine upon conviction of £2000.

Asbestos materials

If during demolition works, materials of asbestos are found, the Health and Safety Executive should be notified immediately, and their requirements for safe removal and disposal followed by the demolition contractor.

Listed Building Consent

Any alteration of a listed building involving part or partial demolition requires formal Listed Building Consent. Unauthorised alteration is illegal and can result in prosecution.

The substantial or complete demolition of an unlisted building in a conservation area requires Conservation Area Consent. We can advise you as to whether this consent is required.

The sections of the Act relating to the demolition of buildings can be viewed from the side menu on this page.

Useful External Links

Ev lînkên li jêr parçeke cîtewna Belediya Haringeyê nînin.

Ji kerema xwe daxûyaniya me ya legal bixwînin beriya ku hun van lînkan bi kar tînin.

• Health & Safety Executive (HSE)

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