Demolition

The Building Act 1984 contains provisions under Section 80 that require the Local Authority to be advised, in writing of any intended demolition, unless the work is exempt, at least six weeks before the work is carried out.

Demolition of part or all of a building should be undertaken by a competent person or contractor, however it is the building owner's responsibility to ensure that it is carried out in a safe manner and all relevant notifications are given.

What demolition work is exempt?

Demolition work that is:

• as a result of a demolition order issued by the Council
• an internal part of an occupied building that will continue to be occupied
• a building less than 49.6m³ externally measured
• a greenhouse, conservatory, shed or prefabricated garage even if it's part of a larger building 
• an agricultural building which is not contagious to another building 

How to serve a notice of intended demolition?

Demolition Notice application form

1. Complete and return the above application form. You should include information such as precautionary measures you intend to implement to safeguard adjacent or adjoining buildings and any general public protection measures. You must submit this no later that 6 weeks before the intended start date.
2. The relevant fee should accompany the notice - see Table E of Building Control Fees.
3. A 1:1250 location plan clearly indicating the buildings to be demolished, all adjacent properties and existing drainage systems to be sealed must be provided.
4. You must also send your notification to adjacent occupiers and utilities companies
5. You must not commence demolition until you have received a counter notice under Section 81 of the Building Act 1984 from the council specifying conditions under which the demolition is to be undertaken.

How do Cyngor Gwynedd process the notice?

If deemed appropriate, a site survey can be carried out to determine:

• what conditions will be necessary to control the process of demolition
• the remedial works needed on adjoining buildings
• the effects on services 
• the treatment of the site on completion

The Council has the statutory period of six weeks to issue the demolition notice, but we aim to do this within two weeks or earlier.

Copies of the notice will be sent to the utility services and to adjoining owners/occupiers as required by the Act.

The Building Control service must be notified when demolition work is to commence, a Building Control Officer will then undertake an inspection during the course of demolition and on completion to ensure the conditions of the demolition are met.