The Building Act 1984: Sections 80-83

Information and Guidance

Introduction

The Building Act contains provisions that enable local authorities to control demolition works for the protection of public safety and to ensure adjoining premises and the site are made good on completion of the demolition.

Procedure   
Section 80 of the Act places an obligation on anyone intending to demolish a building to give notice to the local authority and send copies of the notice to the utility services (Gas, Water and Electricity) and also to adjoining owners and/or occupiers.   

If necessary, on receipt of the notice a surveyor from the council will carry out a site survey to determine what conditions will be necessary to control the process of demolition, the remedial works needed on adjoining buildings, the effect on services and the treatment of the site on completion.  

If necessary, a site meeting will be arranged with all interested parties including the surveyor, highways engineer, police, adjoining owners/occupiers and the demolition contractor to discuss the issues arising out of the proposed demolition.  

The council has the statutory period of six weeks to issue the demolition notice but will aim to do this within four weeks or earlier.  Copies of the notice will also be sent to the utility services (Gas, Water and Electricity) and to adjoining owners/occupiers as required by the Act.  

When notified of commencement, the surveyor will carry out inspections during the course of demolition and on completion to ensure the conditions of demolition are met.   Attention is drawn to the Construction Design and Management Regulations 1994 that apply to all demolition works Downloadable version of the Demolition form  ( pdf 15.6KB).

 Its also available to submit online via the link: Demolition Form

CONSULTATION INFORMATION
  
A meeting may be arranged between the Building Surveyor and Northumbria Police together with the City Highways Section.  

The purpose of the meeting is to consider effects of the proposed demolition on traffic management due to:  

Access and Egress Scaffolding Plant Waste Disposal Wagons  
Their effects on public safety are a primary concern.  

The condition of the existing pavements and road surface will be examined and recorded.  Agreed locations for access and egress will be determined and specifications provided for their construction.  

Advice will be provided should any temporary road closures or alteration to pedestrian routes be necessary.  

The situation and location of street and directional signs in the interests of safety will be reviewed and guidance provided in respect of any temporary resiting works considered necessary.   The cost of any of the above temporary works will be borne by the applicant.  

The applicant will be invited to the meeting, it is anticipated that this meeting will be held within two weeks of the notice being given.  

It may also be necessary to consult the Planning Officer who will advise whether the buildings has/have any historical/architectural significance or whether the premises are situated in a conservation area. 

The purpose is to advise at any early stage whether specific and formal planning consent may be necessary for the demolition works.  It is anticipated that this consultation period will take two weeks from the date the notice is given.    

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last updated 12/12/07