20 November 2008Giving Notice to the Council
The Building Act 1984 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 advise 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 for 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:
Anyone who intends to demolish a building or a part of a building, whether the owner or the contractor, must serve the above mentioned notice on this Council’s Building Control Department informing of their intentions before demolition works 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 a 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 building as follows:
For more information on serving a demolition notice please contact.
Community and Planning Services
Building Control
PO Box 183
Argyle Road
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN13 1GN
Tel: 01732 227376
Fax: 01732 451332
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.
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:-
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 material
If during demolition works, materials of asbestos are found, the Health and Safety Executive should be notified immediately, and their requirements foe 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 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.
Click on the following link to view and download the Demolition Notice Application Form (
PDF File 62KB file details)
