Demolitions - Control and Advice
When intending to demolish a building, notice must be be given to the Local Authority which is usually a minimum of
six weeks prior to work commencing.
You can download the following online form or you can submit your intention in writing.
A location plan of the building and adjoining streets must be provided together with a method statement for the demolition
of larger buildings. Statutory undertakers should also be notified in order that they may arrange for their services to be
properly sealed.
Building or demolition works can cause problems for neighbours of the site. You can reduce or avoid causing any nuisance
to the neighbours, or action being taken by the council, if you follow this advice.
Tell the council and the neighbours
- Give the Local Authority 6 weeks notice of demolition work. The council may impose some conditions about
how the work should be done.
- Send a letter to the neighbours before work starts, telling them about the work and what to expect. Give the
neighbours a contact name and telephone number and keep them informed.
- Deal promptly with any complaints received on site.
Keep dust, noise and smoke to a minimum
Dust: Keep dust down by spraying with water when and where you can.
Noise: There should be no noise heard from the site outside these hours:
enter details
Particularly noisy operations (eg Pile Driving) may need more stringent controls. Pumps and generators should not be left
running overnight if they can be heard outside the site.
If you are a householder doing some or all the work yourself, try to avoid causing any noise or dust in the evenings or
on Sundays.
If noise problems occur, the Council and the neighbours can take legal action. If you think your work may cause a significant
nuisance to the neighbours from noise or vibration, apply for "prior consent" from the Council who will allow a
certain level of noise to occur.
Smoke:
- Bonfires that release "dark smoke" are illegal and the council will prosecute any offenders.
- Advice about bonfires is available from the Local Authority
- Stop the bonfire at the end of the working day.
Obstruction and damage to pavements
- Do not let vehicles or materials block or damage the pavements.
- Do not leave obstacles, holes or trenches where they are a danger, especially to disabled people (eg the blind).
- The Council may charge you for any damage caused to pavements, kerbs or verges by lorries or heavy plant.
