Demolition of Agricultural structures

If you decide to demolish a building, even one which has suffered fire or storm damage, it does not automatically follow that you will get planning permission to build a replacement.

Listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas.

You do not need to make a planning application to demolish a listed building or to demolish a building in a conservation area. However, you may need listed building or conservation area consent.

Elsewhere

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 (see 'Development Rights' link on right).

However, where demolition of any kind of residential property is proposed, the council may wish to agree the details of how you intend to carry out the demolition and how you propose to restore the site afterwards. You will need to apply for a formal decision on whether the council wishes to approve these details before you start demolition. This is what is called a "prior approval application" and your council will be able to explain what it involves.

Fences, walls and gates

You will not need to apply for planning permission to take down a fence, wall,or gate, or to alter or improve an existing fence, wall or gate (no matter how high) if you don't increase its height. In a conservation area, however, you might need conservation area consent to take down a fence, wall or gate.