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You are here : Home > Environment & Waste > Environment Protection > Dangerous Buildings/Structures and Demolition

Dangerous Buildings/Structures and Demolition

Environment Protection

Dangerous Building/Structure

If you are concerned about the safety of a building, wall or structure, then contact the Environmental Health team who will investigate whether it poses a hazard to public safety and, if necessary, make the structure safe. For further information please phone 01263 516085, or e-mail ep@north-norfolk.gov.uk.

Demolishing a Building

If you intend to demolish a building you may be required to give notice to the local authority.

A demolition notice is not required for the following:-

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.
Where the cubic content (as ascertained by external measurement) is not more than 1750 cubic feet (~50m3).
Where the building is a greenhouse, conservatory, shed or prefabricated garage.
Where the building is an agricultural building, unless it is contiguous to another building that is not itself an agricultural building.

If you intend to undertake the demolition of a building that does not fall within either of the above categories, you must notify the local authority.

How to Notify the Council

A notification form can be downloaded and must be submitted at least 6 weeks before the demolition is carried out.

The demolition of such buildings must not commence until either:-

You have received a notice, under Section 81 of the Building Act 1984, from the Council, or
Six weeks have expired from the submission of the notice.

Failure to comply with the above is an offence which carries a maximum fine of £2500.

What Happens Next

Once the local authority has received the notification and the method statement for the proposed demolition, it will assess the notification and outline the steps that need to be followed to ensure the building is demolished in an acceptable manner. These steps may include:-

Shoring up adjacent buildings.
Weatherproofing any surfaces of adjacent buildings exposed by the demolition.
Repairing or making good any damage caused to adjacent buildings by the demolition.
The disconnection, sealing or removal of any drainage under the building.
Making arrangements with the appropriate statutory undertakers for the disconnection and sealing of gas, electricity and water to the building
Removing rubbish and clearing the site.
Ensuring the site is adequately fenced off or otherwise protected to ensure public protection.
Monitoring of dust emissions

Link to Demolition Notice
Link to Demolition Guidance notes
Link to Environment Agency and Health and Safety Executive sites.