Demolitions
Anyone intending to carry out demolition work within the Council's District is required to notify us.
Certain conditions may be specified relating to site safety and the manner in which the work is undertaken. Whilst the legislation for dealing with notification of demolition allows 6 weeks for the Council to complete its processing, we endeavour to complete this process as quickly as possible.
We control both public and private sector demolition, should you have concerns regarding either please contact us with the details on the top right hand side of this page.
Generally the demolition of buildings (or parts of a building) over a certain size will need authority under the Building Act before any work on the demolition commences on site.
Demolition of Buildings
When the owner of a building over 1750ft³ (approximately 50m³) intends to have it demolished, the legal requirements of Sections 80-83 of the Building Act 1984 impose a requirement for formal notification to be given to us at least six weeks before any demolition work starts. This is to enable all appropriate people and organisations to be advised of the proposed demolition and to ensure that measures to protect the public and/or to preserve public amenities are put in place.
The notice issued to us should specify the building that it relates to and the work of demolition intended to be carried out. Copies of the notice should be given to the occupiers of any adjacent building, Transco 
, Southern Electricity , Dorset Fire and Rescue Service , Wessex Water , and Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water Company . It will assist us to process the application more speedily if a site plan is provided with the notice and all relevant contact details are included.
At least six weeks notification is needed before the physical commencement of demolition. We will endeavour to write back before the six weeks has elapsed, notifying you of our requirements under the Act. Once you have received such notification you may commence the demolition works, otherwise you should wait until the six weeks has elapsed.
Where a building is demolished without the necessary notice being given to us, and a subsequent reply being received, we may take enforcement action.
You will have to complete a Demolition Determination Application for Approval at least 6 weeks before work starts on site.
Planning Permission
Please note that Planning Permission may be necessary before you commence the demolition of certain types of buildings. Generally forms are available for Demolition Determination which will advise you whether or not prior approval of details is required. Additional approval may also be necessary for demolition within a Conservation Area.
For further information or more specific advice regarding planning issues please contact Planning Design and Control Services. Once again enforcement action may be taken if the necessary approvals are not obtained.
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