If you want to carry out demolition operations, you must inform us in writing of your intention to do so under the terms of Section 80 of the Building Act.  Generally this section applies to all demolition operations, whether in whole or in part of a building.  However, certain exemptions are given in the Act:

• a demolition made under the order of the Housing Act;
• an internal part of an occupied building;
• a building not more than 1750 cubic feet or any greenhouse, conservatory, shed, or prefabricated garage;
• certain agricultural buildings.

No demolition operation should start unless we have given a notice under Section 81, or six weeks have elapsed since notification of intention to commence a demolition operation was given.  Once we receive notification, we will try to complete the necessary consultations and procedures within 7 to 14 working days.  If you fail to follow the correct procedure given in the Act, you could be prosecuted and liable to a fine if convicted.

To download the demolition application form, please go to our forms and guidance page.

We may under Section 81 give notice to:

• persons who intend to carry out a demolition operation to which Section 80 applies;
• persons who are in receipt of a demolition order under the Housing Acts;
• persons not intending to comply with a Court order under Section 77 of The Act or not complying with a notice served under Section 79 of The Act

Copies of the notice are sent to the owners and occupiers of any building adjacent to the demolition site and to the statutory undertakers as well as the Fire Service and the Health and Safety Executive if special premises, including work premises, are involved.

The notice may contain the following conditions:

• to shore up adjacent buildings;
• to weatherproof surfaces of adjacent buildings;
• to repair and make good damage to an adjacent building caused by the demolition;
• to remove material or rubbish form the site resulting from the demolition;
• to disconnect and seal any drain or sewer;
• to remove any drain or sewer;
• to make good the surface of the ground disturbed;
• to make arrangements for the disconnection of gas, water and electricity into the building;
• to make arrangements about the burning of materials on site with both or either of the Health and Safety Executive and / or local fire authority;
• to take such steps as we consider necessary for the protection of the public and the preservation of public amenity.

It is an offence for the person whom is in receipt of the notice not to carry out the work specified, and those failing to do so could be prosecuted and face a fine if convicted.

Moreover, where a person fails to comply with the conditions, we are entitled to execute the works ourselves and recover the costs incurred and may also prosecute offenders.

Like most other Sections where conditions or requirements are imposed, there is a right of appeal.  Reference should be made to Section 83 of the Act for the full grounds on which an appeal can be made, or you may telephone us on 01372 732000 or email at contactus@epsom-ewell.gov.uk for advice.