The operation of legislation related to this function allows the Local Authority to protect the public and to preserve public amenity.

Building Act 1984, Section 80, 81, 82 and 83.  See also Sections 92, 93 and 94 for the form, authentication and service of Notices.

Other legislation to be considered: BA 1984, Section 79.

Planning Controls over Demolition of houses.

No person should commence a demolition, except those specified in Section 80(1)(a) and (b) unless that person has given notice to the Local Authority of the intention to do so and a Notice has been received from the Local Authority as to their requirements in respect of that demolition.  If such a Notice is not received by way of a reply from the Local Authority within 6 weeks or such longer period as may have been agreed, work may commence.  The notice must be in writing and a copy sent to the owner/occupier of an adjacent building, statutory undertakers, fire authority and, for "special premises", the Health and Safety Executive.

Consideration should be given to notifying other Council Departments (Environmental Health, Development Control, Highways etc) and outside agencies (National Rivers Authority, Police etc) of proposed demolitions.

On commencement of demolition, the local authority should ensure that any necessary shoring/weatherproofing of adjacent buildings, clearing of sites, sealing and making good of drains is carried out.

There is no power to charge in legislation dealing with demolitions.

This work should normally be absorbed within that carried out by a Project Surveyor with the usual clerical assistance.

The Local Authority should ensure that, by exercising its power, the public are protected and public amenity is preserved.

These objectives can be realised by providing a professional site inspection service, which is both responsive and technically competent.

Records of all demolition sites should be kept and regularly reviewed.