Is permission required?
Not all demolition work requires a demolition notice to be submitted to local authority Building Control. A demolition notice does not need to be served for the following:
1. Demolition of the internal part of a building, where the building is occupied and it is intended that it should continue to be occupied.
2. The external volume of the building to be demolished is less than 50 cubic metres.
3. The building is a greenhouse, shed, conservatory or prefabricated garage.
4. The building is an agricultural building, as defined in section 26 of the General Rate Act 1967, unless it is attached to a building that is itself not an agricultural building.
Basic requirements
Anyone intending to undertake the demolition of a building that is not described above must notify the local authority in writing under section 80 of the Building Act 1984. The appropriate forms are available from the building control team and must be submitted at least six weeks before the demolition is to be carried out. A location plan with the site outlined in red should be submitted with the notice.
On receipt of the demolition notice form the local authority will set out requirements to be satisfied in order that the building is demolished in a safe and satisfactory manner. These may include:
1. Shoring up of adjacent buildings.
2. Weather protecting areas of adjacent buildings exposed by the demolition.
3. Repair or making good of damage caused to adjacent buildings by the demolition.
4. Removal of rubbish and clearance of the site.
5. Disconnect, seal or remove any drainage under the building if requested to do so.
6. Making arrangements with the appropriate statutory authorities to disconnect water, gas and electricity supplies from the building.
7. Informing the local fire authority if buildings or materials are to be burnt on site.
8. Ensure that the site is adequately is adequately fenced or otherwise secured to prevent dangers to those on or near the site.
Who is to be informed of the demolition?
Various individuals or organisations may need to be notified of the demolition works:
1. Owners of adjoining premises
2. Transco (British Gas)
3. London Electricity Board
4. Thames Water Utilities
5. London Fire Brigade (Fire Safety Officer)
6. The Environment Agency
7. The Health and Safety Executive
8. The local authority’s Planning Section
9. The local authority’s Environmental Health Section, if the building contains asbestos
Other consents required
In some cases consent may be required under the Town and Country Planning Acts.
1. The building is a listed building or situated within a conservation area.
2. The building is a dwelling or a building adjoining a dwelling.
3. Trees on the site may be protected by a tree preservation order.
4. Conditions on a planning permission may restrict the burning of rubbish.
If you require further information, please contact building control on 020 8496 6096/6058/6155.
If you require further information regarding listed buildings, conservation areas and tree preservation orders, please contact planning and development on 020 8496 6312/6315.
Other considerations
Dust and noise on demolition and construction sites are controlled by the Council’s Environmental Health section. Click here for more information.
This information was correct at the time of writing (December 2006).
Contact us
Building Control
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
London E17 4JF
Tel 020 8496 3000
Email building.control@walthamforest.gov.uk
