Building
Control
Demolition
Do I need permission to demolish a building?
Not all demolition work requires a demolition notice to be submitted to Bexley Council. A demolition notice need not be served if it is for:
- the demolition of the internal part of a building, where the building is occupied and it is intended that it should continue to be occupied;
- demolition of a building whose external volume is not greater than 50 m 3;
- a greenhouse, shed, conservatory or prefabricated garage;
- an agricultural building (as defined by section 26 of the General Rate Act 1967), unless it is against a building that is itself not an agricultural building.
Before you demolish
If you are intending to undertake the demolition of a building that is not in the above group you must notify the Bexley Building Control Team. This can be done on the Demolition Notice form which is available from the building control team or can be downloaded from here  (40KB, PDF file). The Notice should be accompanied by a site plan which shows the location of the site, and outlines the buildings to be demolished. It is important to note that this Notice must be submitted at least six weeks before the demolition is to be carried out.
Once the Notice has been received the Council will send you a Counter Notice which sets out the steps to be followed to ensure that the building is demolished in a safe and satisfactory manner. These may include:
- shoring up adjacent buildings;
- weatherproofing areas of adjacent buildings exposed by the demolition;
- repairing or making good damage caused to adjacent buildings by the demolition;
- removing rubbish and clearing the site;
- the disconnection, sealing or removal of any drainage under the building;
- making arrangements with the appropriate statutory authorities for the disconnection of water, gas and electricity from the building;
- informing the local fire authority if buildings or materials are to be burnt on site;
- ensuring that the site is adequately fenced or otherwise protected to prevent danger to those on or near the site.
Complete the online form or print the demolition notice form (40KB, PDF file)
Who will be informed of the demolition?
Various individuals and organisations should be notified of the demolition works:
Owners of premises adjoining the site
 Bexley Council Planning Department
 British Gas
Seeboard
Southern Water Services
Fire Safety Officer
The Environment Agency
The Health and Safety Executive
Other consent required
In some cases, depending on the type of building being demolished or the area in which it is situated, consent may be required under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Town and Country Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, if:
- the building is a listed building,
- it is within a conservation area,
- the building is a dwelling house or is a building adjoining a dwelling house and certain other buildings where the volume exceeds 50 m 3.
Trees on the site may be protected by a tree preservation order and conditions on a planning permission may restrict the burning of rubbish. |
