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Common projects: Demolition

Planning Permission

In most cases you will not need to apply for planning permission to knock down your house or any of its outbuildings, unless the council has made an article 4 direction restricting the demolition or alterations you could normally carry out under permitted development rules.

However, it does not automatically follow that you will get planning permission to build any replacement structure or to change the use of the site.

• Read more about permitted development rules.
• Read more about other important considerations and demolishing listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas.


Building Regulations

Demolition is dealt with under the Building Act 1984. Generally, it requires six weeks prior notice to be given to the Local Authority Building Control before demolition begins.

The Local Authority Building Control may decide to issue a notice within six weeks on receipt of the notification to specify conditions that need to be met which may include precautions to protect adjoining properties and the public.

Demolition work must also comply with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 and a health and safety plan produced by the principal contractor

Building Regulations relating to site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture will need to be met once the preparation work starts on the site.

Please contact local authority Building Control for further advice.