What is a Demolition Plan

Demolition Plan

What is a Demolition Plan?

When a building reaches the end of its life span, the structural damage may make it uninhabitable and dangerous to surrounding buildings. Whether you are demolishing part of a house or tearing down the entire structure, hiring a demolition company in Kent for example, is not as simple as rocking up with excavators.

Existing legislation requires a demolition plan that will stipulate the destruction process, ensure proper disposal of waste, and safeguard the surrounding buildings from damage. While some projects do not need planning permission, you need to confirm with your local demolition contractor to avoid penalties and additional expenses.

In this article we look at some of the elements and process of a demolition plan.

Pre-Demolition Survey

The first step in ensuring a safe demolition process is to hire a demolition company to conduct a building and structural survey. In the building survey phase, the contractor studies the construction materials used, the hazardous materials present and previous property usage.

They will also check the shared utilities, adjoining traffic conditions and underlying drainage problems that could cause erosion or flooding. In home counties demolition projects and all other areas the experts need to ascertain the impact of noise and dust on the surrounding community. On the other hand, the structural survey uncovers the skeletal system used in designing the building, the construction methods, and underground tanks’ condition.

Apart from surveying the building, it is vital to consider how the location of the demolition site can complicate the process. For instance, it is challenging to control the waste materials in a hilly area since they can tumble down the sloppy areas. Besides, the air pollution may spread to a wider area if the house is on top of the hill.

Removal of Hazardous Materials

During the survey, the contract may identify hazardous materials in the building structures, such as asbestos or flammable liquids. The materials can cause severe environmental pollution if not safely removed before the demolition process. Apart from asbestos, the contractors should check for harmful paints, microbiological waste common in old hospital buildings and acids.

Determining the Demolition Methods

Demolitions plans usually illustrate the sequence of demolitions and identify the destruction method that works for the structure with minimal environmental impact. Depending on the construction materials, the demolition company can use non-explosive methods, which use hand tools or machinery, and robotic demolition by employing electric excavators. Some of the non-explosive methods include:

Soft strip: The demolition relies on hand tools to strip off floor coverings, ceilings, lifts, doors, and partitions methodically. The disposal also relies on waste chutes and lifts before carrying the waste out of the site using bins.

High-reach demolition: It uses different types of excavators to raze down a building. High-reach machines are for tall buildings, but a standard machine can take over in the lower levels.

Deconstruction: For panel buildings and tower blocks built with large concrete panels, the contractor uses cranes to remove the panels in reverse order. However, it needs support to ensure it does not collapse during deconstruction.

Explosive demolition uses explosives to remove the foundation of the building, and the entire structure will collapse. Here are some standard methods of explosive demolition depending on how the building collapses:

Falling like a tree: If the house has a significant distance from other buildings in the area, demolishing the house sideways is the best option. The contractor will place the explosives on the lower levels and uses cables to control the direction of the fall.

Falling into footprint: If there is limited space, the contractor can set the explosives in the middle of the building to ensure it implodes on its footprint.

Safety Measures

The demolition plan must stipulate the safety measures in place to protect the contractors and the environment. For instance, there should be strategies to reduce and monitor noise, dust, and vibrations. Fire and emergency plans should be comprehensive and included in the health and safety induction.

Conclusion

When a building becomes uninhabitable, do not worry about the details required for demolition. Instead, hire a demolition company, and they will take care of all the legal documents and work. This protects your neighbours and the environment from pollution and unnecessary disruptions caused by the deconstruction process.

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We are here to help

When you are next researching for a quality and competitive demolition company for whatever construction project, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team, we offer a free quote and site survey.

Call us today on 01322920 053 to get a quote for your next demolition project.

Demolition Companies Knocked by COVID-19

Demolition Companies Knocked by COVID-19 Pandemic Absences

COVID-19 has been sweeping the nation since it first started back in 2019. This fatal disease, which has already killed over 4 million people, can be deadly when contracted, leaving many of those infected with side effects. As this awful pandemic continues, companies in industries like demolition and construction are recording significant issues that could adversely affect their workforce.

COVID-19 is preventing many demolition companies from getting contracts to demolish buildings in various counties due to the new requirements for COVID-19 safety and training.

Without new contracts, which are a large part of the demolition contractors revenue stream in London Kent and many other areas, demolition companies could be faced with going out of business or laying off employees during this time when there aren’t enough jobs available in other industries.

If this continues it could lead to unemployment rates among those who would typically work in demolition, making it difficult for them to find temporary work elsewhere since they may not be qualified for any positions that don’t require COVID-19 training.

It has been reported construction industries like demolition are starting to face absences due to the illness, which could have adverse consequences for their workforce. Demolition companies are struggling to find qualified staff to fill jobs of those impacted by COVID-19’s side effects, which might lead them to long term problems for many businesses

Many demolition companies are facing cancellations of their current projects as the disease continues to worsen, leading to a loss in revenue, but it could also mean that they’ll need to lay off workers temporarily.

This pandemic has already taken its toll on the construction industry, making materials difficult to source, increasing unemployment and reducing opportunities for people who would otherwise work in this field.

Due to the severity of the illness, many demolition companies are taking steps to reduce the risks in their workplaces by making changes such as getting air purifiers and providing their workers with even more personal protective equipment. This will make it easier on employees who have already been infected with COVID-19 as they will be able to work without worrying about being exposed. These measures may help companies find a way around facing any adverse consequences due to side effects from the virus and help them keep their contracts running smoothly.

Demolition companies need sufficient qualified people with experience and expertise to carry out the work required in this industry. The situation is becoming very frustrating for everyone involved, and there’s no way of knowing how long it will last or what other complications from the virus could surface further down the road.

It is important for everyone to proceed with caution when dealing with COVID-19, construction and demolition companies will need to find ways around the disruption whilst taking all measures necessary to reduce risks in their workplace.

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We are here to help

When you are next researching for a quality and competitive demolition company for whatever construction project, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team, we offer a free quote and site survey.

Call us today on 01322920 053 to get a quote for your next demolition project.

Roof Demolition

Roof Demolition

Roof Demolition

Roof Demolition

One of the biggest projects you can undertake on your property, building or structure is to replace the roof. One key issue to take into account when carrying out such work is that before you can install any new roof, the old one must be completely removed safely; while it is entirely possible to do this yourself, given the time involved, planning and the correct equipment, it may well be better to call in a specialist roofing or demolition company to do the job.

Whether you are intending to try and carry out the work yourself or use a professional third party, here are some important considerations.

Firstly, safety is paramount. Many roofs are several metres above the ground, and it can be a daunting task to work safely at that height. Sloping roofs pose additional challenges when working. Make sure you have a safety harness to prevent a potentially fatal fall, and that it is secured to a sturdy place that can take your weight. The safety of others is also an issue; make sure that you are not working directly above others, ideally by cordoning off the ground or putting up warning signs. This should help ensure that not only are others kept safe you are not opening yourself up to legal proceedings in the event of injury or worse.

Roof Demolition

It is also important to understand building regulations; some demolition or replacement work will require a permit, so check with your local planning office or a professional demolition contractor if you are unsure. Most roof demolition companies will factor regulation requirements into their work, but it’s easy to overlook if attempting the work yourself. It is also vital that the existing roof structure is sound and not hiding any underlying problems with the building which could cause it to collapse once the roof is being removed.

If satisfied that the structure is sound, clear out any interior, attic or loft space, especially if there are valuables or keepsakes. You do not wish to see your precious memories crushed by a falling piece of slate or masonry. Keeping the site tidy is another important facet of roof demolition. While it may be tempting to just get up there and start tearing off everything as quickly as possible, a clean building or construction site, will be a safer place to work.

Make sure you have enough space or a skip for disposing or the demolition waste materials when they are off the roof. Good practice would be to remove slates or tiles in rows and get the detritus and materials put into skips or rubble bags as you complete each section.

Roof Demolition
Roof Demolition

In terms of the roof demolition work itself, it’s usually the safest and most practical approach to start from the top and work down the roof space. Once you have removed several rows of material, take down the tarpaper or other underlying material in a steady way that avoids tearing or leaving you with thousands of tiny pieces clear up. Again, the use of specialist demolition tools will give you the best chance of doing the job both efficiently and with the least amount of clean-up work afterwards. When it comes to larger structural elements such as roof trusses or frames then it will almost certainly require a specialist tradesman or demolition company to carry out the work.

If you are in any doubt whatsoever about roof work, contact professional tradesmen; there are lots of London demolition contractors able to carry out this work. Regional areas may have specialist companies who work with materials and construction unique to that area – for example, demolition in Kent can take account of the unusual oast house structures as well as more traditional buildings.

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We are here to help

When you are next researching for a quality and competitive demolition company for whatever construction project, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team, we offer a free quote and site survey.

Call us today on 01322920 053 to get a quote for your next demolition project.

Chimney Demolition

Chimney Demolition

Chimney Demolition

Chimneys are common structures found in many building types, not just the ones that have wood-burning stoves or a fireplace. However, with central heating installed in most homes, chimneys are now becoming somewhat redundant.

While having a chimney can improve the interior design of a home, it does take up a lot of floor and wall space. Besides, maintaining a chimney can be more trouble than it’s worth if it is unused and just becomes an entry point for dust, pests and rainwater. Therefore, if a fireplace is restricting that need for extra space, you explore and consider chimney removal options.

While residential chimney demolition could be considered as a potential DIY project, hiring demolition contractors is crucial if you do not have prior experience to building or demolition work. Most chimneys are structurally independent, but some do connect to the building walls, and any mistakes removing one could ruin the structural integrity of the property.

In this article we look at the partial and complete chimney demolition and removal process, including the costs involved.

Chimney Demolition

Chimney Demolition Process

All chimney removal projects begin with the assessment of the chimney’s position in the building or structure. For example, is it in the middle of or at the side of the house with no structural attachment to the building?

You should also consider the external chimney stack height, which extends above the roof, and the chimney breast size within the building.

With partial chimney demolition, you can remove the chimney stack until it is flush with the roof, but if only partial removal, you just need to seal the hole in the roof and leave other chimney parts intact.

Partial removal may only require a hammer and a chisel to remove the chimney stack brick-by-brick and patching up the holes as you go. However, complete residential or commercial chimney demolition means you will have a gap in the walls, roof, and floors to seal up. While it is possible to remove the brickwork of a chimney breast, it will need adequate structural support using a bracket to avoid it from collapsing.

If the chimney forms a buttress, you will need a structural engineer to check the stability of the building before sealing up any of the walls.

If the chimney extends into the building foundations, you should not attempt to modify the foundation work without consulting an expert. Therefore, you can either leave the remaining part of the chimney underneath the floors or find an expert demolition contractor to carry out the project.

Chimney Demo
Chimney Demolition

Chimney demolition costs will vary depending on the size of the chimney, is it residential, commercial, or an industrial chimney demolition job? Are the floors it occupies in a multi-storey building and what is its attachment to the building?

Expect to pay more if your chimney is part of the structure or foundation of your house. Most demolition contractors will factor in the cost of removing the chimney stack, chimney breast and rectifying the resulting gaps left behind.

You will also purchase materials to patch up the holes and match the interior design with the rest of the house. If your home needs framing adjustments and foundation work, the expenses may start to increase.

Chimney demolition is a significant structural change to a building or structure. This means you need to adhere to the structural guidance and legal framework provided by building regulations; local authorities may declare your project impractical and illegal. To ensure you comply with the regulations, contact the local authorities and building control departments to get the relevant permissions before work begins. A building or demolition contractor can help you expedite the process as they will be familiar with the requirements and rules.

Getting the right building permissions is necessary to prevent future complications with surveyors when you come to sell the property. You should also consider party wall agreements to avoid additional charges for rectifying any discrepancies caused. Other legal considerations include restrictions provided in conservation zones and listed buildings.

In most industrial chimney removals, the contractors utilise explosive demolition instead of removing the structural framework systematically. Such demolition methods may require planning permission, including a detailed plan to seal the resulting hole and dispose of the demolition waste.

Residential chimney demolition should not be considered a DIY project, it is always advisable to seek professional assistance to avoid causing structural damage to your home.

Besides, professional demolition experts are likely to make the process less invasive and complete the project faster.

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We are here to help

When you are next researching for a quality and competitive demolition company for whatever construction project, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team, we offer a free quote and site survey.

Call us today on 01322920 053 to get a quote for your next demolition project.

Construction Materials in Short Supply

Construction Materials in Short Supply

The UK building industry is in somewhat of a supply crisis as dwindling materials are bringing construction and demolition sites to a standstill in some cases. The issue has led government to ask the Construction Leadership Council to monitor the situation closely, so they have now set up a products availability taskforce.

Shortages in new building materials which are often recycled by demolition and waste management companies, along with escalating industry prices caused by a combination of Covid, Brexit, and shipping hold ups have caused construction projects up and down the country to face extended waits for their supplies.

As the country re-opens after recent lockdown restrictions, the construction industry has led the way in the economic recovery with business booming. However, the high demand and the lack of availability for a number of building materials as seen costs start to inflate.

Some of the construction materials that have been affected to date include:

Cement

Cement has been facing supply issues even though it has recently improved according to the Mineral Products Association (MPA) chief executive Nigel Jackson, he said “We’re not aware of any projects impacted by bulk cement shortages”.

Producers have also struggled to source transport to deliver cement throughout the country, but the shortages in cement bags should hopefully be resolved very soon.

Plastics

Back in April 2021 a report released mentioned that due to the global demand for plastics, overall supply and distribution was now becoming a problem, raw material shortages have restricted production of polyethylene, commonly used in pipe production, and polypropylene plastic used for manufacturing roof membranes.

Steel

UK manufacturing trade association British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers Association (BEAMA) said that the 2020 reduction in steel production had caused a global shortage, with the increased demand now increasing the overall price. The availability of steel remains an issue for the whole construction industry with no end in sight.

Aggregates

Infrastructure was one of the first industry sectors to exceed pre-pandemic output levels which has led to a huge demand for aggregates throughout the UK. However, government is planning to decarbonise the economy by banning red diesel, a fuel for excavators, machinery commonly used for moving aggregates and by demolition companies for building demolition work.

Timber

Wood is another material where prices have soared over the last 12 months, and it continues to increase with housebuilding and refurbishment work on the rise. Demand in softwood orders has been forecast to increase globally for the next 5 years!

Spending on home renovations in the UK market is up by nearly 20% compared with January 2020, people who normally spend on holidays and dining have now invested in their property.

It is not just higher prices and stock shortage, delays in deliveries are getting worse.

Social media feeds for popular DIY stores regularly have questions about ‘out of stock items’ that are taking months to deliver. That is because wholesalers and builders’ merchants favour regular customers, which is why large infrastructure projects such as HS2 and Crossrail are unlikely to be affected by the problem.

Global shipping is still struggling since Covid caused empty containers to be stacked up in ports instead of returning to Asia. Since May last year the cost of sending a container from China to Europe jumped from US$1,475 to US$8,303 (May 2021).

Bricks and bulk materials like gravel and sand are mostly locally produced, 76% of materials are made in Great Britain, but well over 50% of sawn wood for example is imported from Europe.

Inflated prices may harm companies that have quoted and negotiated contracts at pre-pandemic prices, the whole industry is also facing higher building insurance costs after the Grenfell disaster.

Unfortunately, there is not too much businesses can do other than plan ahead and wait patiently for stock to arrive, the UK is a modest buyer of construction materials compared to the US, China and the Middle East who will all be facing the same problem.

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We are here to help

When you are next researching for a quality and competitive demolition company for whatever construction project, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team, we offer a free quote and site survey.

Call us today on 01322920 053 to get a quote for your next demolition project.

Demolition Accreditation and Certificates

Demolition Accreditation and Certificates

When demolishing any building or structure, you will most probably require the expert services of an accredited demolition company. Professional experienced Demolition contractors will manage and handle all the construction waste materials and precious metals to minimise environmental pollution.

Accredited demolition professionals will also ensure that the demolition project being worked on upholds th ehealth and safety standards required by law. If the contract is for industrial demolition, the company hired must assess all the building or structural materials and develop a plan to reduce any risk.

The main objective of any contracted demolition company is to provide the client with expert, high quality work, safely. They should hold the necessary industry certifications and accreditations required and be able to show you these documents if called upon. Certification guarantees that company’s meet the industry standards set out by law, whilst providing a competitive and professional service.

Accreditations for any Demolition work in London , the home counties and throughout the UK include:

Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS)

CHAS accreditation ensures contractors maintain the best risk management practices and meet the industry standards. With this accreditation, contractors can showcase their skills to clients and demonstrate proficiency in mitigating risks. Apart from reviewing risk management strategies, CHAS also audits compliance with health and safety management systems before issuing certification to carry out demolition projects.

The accreditations save time for many contractors during the tendering process. A company with CHAS certification does not need to fill the pre-qualification questionnaires since the health and safety questions are part of the accreditation process. What benefits does CHAS accreditation provide to demolition businesses and clients?

• Assessment of health and safety policy ensures the demolition methods do not cause damage to the environment.
• Through training, consultation, monitoring and regular review of safety protocols, contractors can maintain the best practices in the market.
• With the CHAS assessment, contractors can ascertain that the equipment and tools used for demolition meet the acceptable standards of their clients.
• Clear understanding of risk management safeguards clients from risks associated with demolition projects.

ConstructionLine

Certification from ConstructionLine indicates the capability of the company to streamline processes and optimise performance. It also shows that the company has a robust risk management system for mitigating risks. Besides, the accreditation ensures that vital company information is available in a standard format, which reduces time spent by clients looking for service providers.

Contractors often seek ConstructionLine certification to ensure a smooth tendering process. The accreditation helps the parties involved in tendering to avoid any problems that may arise, saving time and money. Being part of ConstructionLine shows alignment to government and industry standards, which improves the business reputation and opens opportunities within the industry.

Acquiring ConstructionLine accreditation relies on the safe operational processes, compliance issues or health and safety standards. ConstructionLine also carries out an audit annually to ascertain compliance with the industry standards and any new legislation.

Considerate Constructors

The Considerate Constructors Scheme offers certification that symbolises the consideration that demolition services have towards the environment and the public. The scheme is an independent not-for-profit organisation whose focus is to uphold the standards in the construction industry. Most contractors register voluntarily with the scheme and abide by the Code of Considerate Practice, promoting the preservation of the environment beyond the statutory requirements.

With this accreditation, a company proves compliance with safe operational processes that protect the workforce, the public and the environment. Demolition projects can have a significant impact, especially if they are near residential areas or public amenities. While the government requires compliance with health and safety standards, it may not cover some aspects of the environment. Demolition contractors with Considerate Constructors Scheme accreditation present competent management, efficiency and concern for environmental issues. It also shows that the contractor respects the community and values its workforce, which creates a positive image of the company.

Apart from complying with all demolition regulations, Deery Demolition Services have all the required certificates and accreditations to offer demolition services in Kent and throughout the UK.

These certifications and our insurance policy highlight our expertise and show our dedication to minimising risks and maintaining health and safety standards in all the demolition projects we carry out for our clients.

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We are here to help

When you are next researching for a quality and competitive demolition company for whatever construction project, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team, we offer a free quote and site survey.

Call us today on 01322920 053 to get a quote for your next demolition project.

Demolishing Load Bearing Walls

demolish load bearing wall

DEMOLISHING LOAD BEARING WALLS

One question often asked of construction and demolition contractors is whether it is possible to remove an internal or external load-bearing wall. The simple answer is yes; effectively, no wall cannot be removed.

However, there are certain things you need to consider as walls do vary on their safety, construction, demolition difficulty and cost when carrying out any expert demolition work.

Before you start any interior strip out work like removing a wall from a building or structure, you will need to know whether it is a load-bearing wall or not to seek the right professional services from a reputable building or demolition contractor.

In this article we look at some of the many questions often asked, along with some of the issues you may need to address before carrying out any demolition work.

1. Can I do internal demolition work myself?

Most homeowners hire demolition contractors to carry out the work as it is a difficult technical project that often requiring the services of an expert. However, if you consider doing any of the work yourself, check if you need a permit from the local authorities first, as you will many need to adhere to building regulations and pass an inspection. Municipalities are not the same, and therefore, it is advisable to check with your local permitting authority to know whether you can comply with their requirements.

2. Do I need authority approval for demolishing a load bearing wall?

Demolishing interior walls do not always need authority approval. However, if it is a load-bearing wall that needs demolishing, you will need to obtain a permit from the authorities that regulate home renovations that involve structural changes, plumbing, fences, amongst other things.

You cannot do the work without a valid permit and inspection report from an expert. Your local approval authority will ask questions to determine whether you want to take down a wall that affects your home’s structural integrity, if you need to remove a large wall then you may be asked to submit an architect drawing with an alternative support system to replace it.

3. Will I need building regulation certification?

Completion certificates show that the work was done and completed to the appropriate building standards, without this certificate, problems can arise, as even though you may comply with all the relevant building regulations, you will face challenges selling the property in the future without approval from building control.

As soon as you finish any building demolition work, contact building control for immediate inspection. You may be asked to obtain certification which is like making a retrogressive building regulation application.

4. Do I need to structurally replace load bearing walls?

It is important to replace the support that you take away. If you are doing a small-scale load wall demolition, also consider the surrounding windows and doors. The wall or material removed may be holding the building up, and therefore cutting holes in these walls may compromise the building support structure. You can always replace any holes made with window headers, basically known as small beams, these replace the removed portion of the wall framing.

If you are doing large-scale load-bearing wall removal, you will use the same concept, however, you must replace this area with either a beam, or a beam and post.

If using beams, use the ones without vertical bearing points. Structural horizontal beams offer sufficient structural quality when used to replace walls. You can also use a beam and a horizontal post to support a removed wall.

5. Removal of Internal Walls Affecting Party Walls

Semi-detached or terraced houses need expert consultation before any walls can be altered or removed as the process can have an impact on neighbouring party walls.

Beams used to support the demolished part of the wall will need to rest on the party walls that separates your house from your neighbour’s property. There are building regulations that legally need to be complied with concerning party walls before engaging in any construction work, therefore, you will need to speak to a building surveyor or specialist in this area.

If the building or property is old, it is highly likely that the party walls will not be strong enough to support new loadings, since many buildings were only constructed of a single skin.

Request expert advice about building new brick piers if this is the case, you can also consider installing steel columns as a support system for new beams.

In summary, these are just some of the things you should consider before removing a load wall before engaging in any building alterations. If in doubt of the work required, you may end up contravening regulations which can be costly to fix.

If you suspect that removing your load bearing wall will be unsafe, consult experienced specialists who can advise or carry out the work required on your behalf.

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We are here to help

When you are next researching for a quality and competitive demolition company for whatever construction project, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team, we offer a free quote and site survey.

Call us today on 01322920 053 to get a quote for your next demolition project.

Demolition Planning Permission

demolition planning permission

DEMOLITION PLANNING PERMISSION

When searching for a piece of land to build that dream home, you’ll most probably find an existing property already standing in the way. Question is, when analysing its condition, do you choose to restore, extend and refurbish the existing property to suit your preferences and add value, or demolish the whole, or part of the building and start from scratch.

Most property developers and buyers looking to take on a project generally go for the latter, since the VAT for remodelling and extension work in the UK is 20%, while a new home have no VAT charges.

Apart from finding an experience professional building demolition company, you need to get permission from the local authorities before commencing with the demolition process. However, some buildings do not require consent, while the relevant government authorities may control demolition in some areas.

The necessity of planning permission depends on whether you are demolishing an entire building or part of the property. The size of the building and the environmental impact of the demolition are also vital considerations. In this article we look at some of the rules and regulations that govern house demolitions.

Small Buildings and Structures

If the house or structure has an external volume below 50 cubic metres, you do not need planning permission. However, you may need the to get the method of the actual demolition approved if the building is unsafe through deliberate actions.

Listed Buildings

Listed buildings are notable historical or architectural buildings with cultural significance. Over 500,000 buildings fall into this category in the United Kingdom, alongside structures, sculptures, mileposts and war memorials. You will need listed building consent from the council to alter, extend or demolish a listed building, and can find out if a building falls in this category by checking the Historic Environment Division database. Sometimes they list a terrace of buildings as opposed to individual houses or a street address, so make sure you receive the consent before hiring a demolition contractor to start work.

Buildings in Conservation Areas

Planning permission for unlisted houses in a conservation area depends on the location of the building. In Wales, you will not require planning permission for buildings below 115 cubic metres. However, for larger buildings, you must apply for Conservation Area Consent.

Buildings in conservation areas in England require planning permission regardless of the size. England does not have a Conservation Area Consent, but you may need other consents for buildings listed with Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Structures in conservation areas also require permission before demolishing them. If a gate, railing, fence, or wall is a metre high and close to the highway or on a public space, you will need demolition permission. However, in other locations, the structure needs to be two metres to warrant the local authorities’ consent.

Other Buildings

Certain development rights permit contractors to demolish the whole build without planning permission, however, you need to seek approval of the demolition method beforehand. Some of the exceptions to the rule include:

– Demolishing buildings that are uninhabitable due to neglect or deliberate action. If the building requires a few repairs to make it safe, you will need planning permission to demolish the structure.

– Drinking establishments like pubs require planning permission before demolition, especially in the Asset of Community Value database.

– Concert halls and venues for live music performances also require permission for demolition.

If a building’s urgent demolition is necessary due to health and safety concerns, then a demolition company does not have to comply with the approval process, however, they must provide written justification.

Demolishing Parts of a Building

Permitted development rights are invalid when you are demolishing parts of a building since you are making structural alterations, this can also be referred to as a partial strip out work in the demolition industry. Therefore, you need planning permission from the local authorities to demolish parts of a building.

When planning any demolition project, it is advised checking beforehand if you need actual planning permission. You should also confirm if you need other consents before starting any work.

Additional consents include Part Wall Act notices and building regulations approval, among others. Some buildings also require an environmental impact assessment before demolition work can start, which necessitates planning permission.

In summary, this article should only be used as a guide, it is crucial to do your own research and get the necessary consent to avoid an enforcement notice, which may force you to rebuild what you have demolished!

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We are here to help

When you are next researching for a quality and competitive demolition company for whatever construction project, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team, we offer a free quote and site survey.

Call us today on 01322920 053 to get a quote for your next demolition project.

Demolition Waste Efficiency

Demolition Waste Materials

Demolition and Construction Waste Challenges and Efficiency

What are the solutions for recycling building waste?

At the end of the 1980s, environmental protection first began to occupy a significant place among the major challenges of our society, but for most of us, it was still just a utopia. In fact, it was not possible to do otherwise than send the waste, including that from construction and demolition, straight to landfill.

Over thirty years later, ideas have matured: environmental protection has become a tangible reality in the field, whether for private individuals or for professional players. Of course, if the sorting of waste is more and more practiced, the situation is far from being perfect for certain categories, for which the proposed solutions are often partial, imperfect, too expensive, or difficult to implement.

Meanwhile, the international certification BREEAM (Mat 6) claims that the construction industry is responsible for approximately 55% of carbon dioxide emissions – with buildings alone contributing 50% of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.

 

Demolition Waste Materials

Waste management is perhaps more complex in the building demolition and construction industry than in other industries, especially as this sector is not directly affected by the choice of materials; this is most often the responsibility of the client who, delegates a large part of the responsibility for the management of the construction to other stakeholders (tenants and management companies for example).

Other reasons for the complexity include the building project stage. It is difficult to predict the quantity and nature of the waste that will be produced, the way in which it will be transported and its final destination, such measurements are hardly ever established.

The production of waste, during the demolition, transformation, and renovation of the building in question, is far from constant and homogeneous. The demolition contractor generally has full responsibility for waste management, without being remunerated appropriately.

The sector has no direct link with the waste market and there is no recipe or ready-made formula. Waste management varies greatly according to the type of site, its duration, and its location according to the trade concerned and the contract concluded with the subcontractors.

Existing solutions are not widely known, transport distances can be a deterrent, lead times too short, and competition fierce.

Even today, a certain number of waste materials that companies produce or use pose problems that are not always satisfactorily resolved, for example, excavated soil, slag, phosphogypsum, ash from the incineration of household waste, used tires, glass that is difficult to recycle, window frames, foundry sands, various plastics, wood waste for which it is not easy to specify the degree of pollution by paints or impregnation products, waste bituminous membranes (in principle inert), or tar (and paint waste which are all considered dangerous.

Several industrial solutions recently developed plans to provide a response to the problems encountered, but also to set up complete and, if possible, profitable sectors for the collection and treatment of construction waste. Their implementation is sometimes slow and difficult, given the difficulties in obtaining the financial means, the operating permit, and favourable collection conditions, only time will tell how profitable these solutions are.

Waste in construction and demolition work are always costly, and the only realistic way to tackle it is to make sure less is produced. Although each stage of a building’s lifecycle offers new opportunities when it comes to reducing waste to see the biggest impact, a robust, properly considered materials efficiency plan should be put into place as early as possible, ideally during the planning stages.

BREEAM Mat 06 Material efficiency for the waste management of a demolition company

BREEAM certification incorporates material efficiency into the program of a demolition contractor with the aim of helping to reduce a project’s environmental impact relating to material usage and waste. BREEAM Mat 06 additionally recommends ‘WRAP, designing out waste’: a guide for buildings as part of a holistic material efficiency strategy plan.

Demolition Waste Materials

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Demolition at Didcot Power Station

Didcot Demolition

Demolition Safety Measures at Didcot Power Station

It is now over five years since the media reported the collapse of Didcot Power Station situated in Sutton Courtenay, near Didcot in Oxfordshire. Investigators of the incident recently stated they are still unable to say when their reports and findings will be finalised and published.

Thames Valley Police working alongside the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), have been investigating possible manslaughter and health and safety offences in this disastrous incident that took place in February 2016. Four workers died following the collapse of the 10-storey boiler house as it was being prepared for demolition work, the force paid tribute to the victims in a statement and said it is “unable to put a timeframe” on the probe.

Demolition News editor, Mr Anthony, said “Here we are five years on no closer to understanding what caused it – there have been no prosecutions, no preliminary reports. There are still four families out there that have got no closure – no clue as to why their loves ones did not return home that day. The industry itself has no clue as to what it might do differently to avoid a repeat.”

Police investigating the collapse previously said they had examined almost 900 tonnes of evidence. Dep Ch Con Jason Hogg said: “As from day one we continue to investigate with the same focus, dedication, and a commitment to find out what led to the deaths of the four men and obtain answers for their families.

The power station dominated the surrounding landscape and was first used to generate power in 1970. In 2013, after 43 years of service, Didcot A Power Station was turned off, the power station’s six cooling towers were demolished by professional demolition contractors in two stages.

The final part of Didcot coal-fired power station was demolished nearly seven years after it was closed for good, the chimney demolition was nearly 200 meters high and one of the tallest structures in the country when it was brought down.

Didcot Power Station Timeline:

1964 – Building Work Started Didcot A

1970 – Commercial Operation Didcot A

1994 – Didcot B Construction starts

1997 – Commercial Operation Didcot B

March 2013 – Didcot A Closed

July 2014 – 3 x Cooling Towers Demolished

February 2016 – Boiler House Collapses

July 2016 – Remaining Boiler House Section Brought Down using Demolition Explosives

August 2019 – 3 x Remaining Cooling Towers Demolished

January 2020 – Final Chimney Demolished

The power station has had its fair share of controversy over the years, in November 2006 Greenpeace protesters climbed to the top of one chimney and stayed there for two days, while 20 people were arrested in another protest back in October 2009. The power station was also voted as Britain’s third worst eyesore in 2003.

The demolition company involved in the investigation has previously stated that it does not believe it is responsible for the incident, in previous company accounts released the firm wrote:

“Investigations by external authorities are still under way but, as previously noted, the directors do not believe the company is responsible for the cause of the incident. This is based on rigorous independent inquiries and on advice received from the company’s professional advisers.”

Tower Demolition

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Call us today on 01322920 053 to get a quote for your next demolition project.