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

You must give our Building Control service at least 6 weeks notice of any demolition work you are intending that involves all or part of any building unless it is:

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

How to serve a notice of intended demolition
Unless the proposed demolition satisfies the above criteria you will be required to give a demolition notice under Section 80 of the Building Act 1984 to us usually a minimum of six weeks prior to the intended start date.  You can do this by downloading the Demolition notice [PDF] (179k) or alternatively you can request a copy by telephone on 01483 444545 or email buildingcontrol@guildford.gov.uk

It is an offence to commence demolition unless a demolition notice has been submitted to Building Control and either;

• Building Control have served a notice under section 81 of the Building Act 1984 (this is our counter notice response to the section 80 demolition notice).
• A period of six weeks from the date of giving the notice has elapsed.

Information to be provided
In order for us to process the demolition notice you must also provide:

• a 1:1250 location plan clearly indicating the buildings to be demolished, all adjacent properties and existing drainage systems to be sealed,
• a copy of the method statement indicating safe methods of demolition.

Notice to others
You should also notify:

• The occupier(s) of any building(s) adjacent to the building proposed to be demolished,
• All service providers such as gas, electric and water by sending them a copy of the notification form and location plan, in order that they may arrange with yourselves for their services to be safely disconnected.

We may also consult with our Environmental Health and Planning Services, Surrey County Council Highways, Surrey Fire and Rescue Services, The Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive prior to issuing a Section 81 counter notice.

Some demolition also requires prior approval and Conservation area consent.  If the building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, you will also need Listed Building Consent before starting work.  Our Conservation team can advise you if this applies to your building and they can be contacted by telephone on 01483 444667 or by email at conservation@guildford.gov.uk.
 
If the building contains any asbestos, you may need to inform the Health and Safety Executive (this page opens in a new window).  You may also wish to view the Health and Saftey Executive Asbestos web pages (this page opens in a new window). 
 
What happens next?
Within 6 weeks of receiving your completed demolition notice, we will issue notice, under Section 81 of the Building Act 1984 which will specify a number of conditions that have to be complied with during the demolition works necessary to maintain public safety and public amenity.  You may be required, after the completion of the demolition, to demonstrate that these steps have been complied with.  Demolition should not commence until all applicable consents have been issued. 

If you have any further questions regarding your proposed demolition please do not hesitate to contact our Building Control service.

Building Control
Planning Services
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444545
Email: buildingcontrol@guildford.gov.uk