Submitting a Demolition Notice

You can submit a Section 80 Demolition Notice by writing to your local authority specifying the building you want to demolish and detailing the works that to be carried out on the property. A demolition company can help you write the notice and send copies to other stakeholders. For instance, your neighbours living in adjacent houses, the gas suppliers and areas electricity board must get the notice of your demolition project.

While the standard waiting time for the notice is six weeks, the duration varies based on the response from the local authority. Sometimes, the local authority serves a counter-notice to halt the demolition until specific works are completed on the property.  Some of the works recommended by a counter-notice under Section 81 of the Building Act include:

• Shoring up or supporting an adjacent building to prevent it from falling when demolition begins.
• Weatherproofing adjacent buildings and parts that will be exposed during demolition.
• You have to repair the damages caused to your neighbour’s property after demolishing your house.
• Collecting and removing any debris or rubbish accumulated from the demolition process.
• Disconnecting and sealing any sewers under the demolished building. If you remove any drains during demolition, you should seal off the connections and redo the surface disturbed by sewer removal.
• Contacting gas suppliers, electricity and water companies to disconnect the utilities and making arrangements if you intend to burn any materials from the structure.
• Ensuring appropriate actions are taken to protect the public and its amenities during and after demolition.