This page provides information and guidance regarding demolition of buildings. It includes guidance on:
- When planning permission is required; and
- Other considerations such building regulations.
Do I need planning permission
The below is for guidance only.
Planning permission or prior approval may be required to demolish a building; it depends on a number of factors such as the type and size of the building and its location.
This will be in addition to any other consent required for demolition (see other consents below).
Part 11, Class B of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 allows for the demolition of buildings under permitted development subject to conditions. Before demolishing any building, you should check with us if any permission is needed. This is because the planning rules on demolition can be complex.
The following are excluded from Class B- Demolition of buildings.
- Demolition of any building that has been rendered unsafe or otherwise uninhabitable, by the action or inaction of any person having an interest in the land on which the building stands, where it is practicable to secure safety or health by works of repair or works for affording temporary support.
- Demolition within a Conservation Area unless it meets certain criteria see When is permission required? - GOV.UK
- Demolition of pubs or other drinking establishments – This includes those with expanded food provision.
- Demolition of concert halls, theatres and venues for live music performances.
- Demolition of a listed building.
- Outdoor statues, memorial or monuments unless it meets certain criteria. When is permission required? - GOV.UK
- Permitted development rights have been removed for Part 11 via an Article 4 Direction or a previous planning decision
- Demolition is subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment
Additionally, permitted development rights do not apply where demolition is:
- on land which is the subject of planning permission for its redevelopment, granted on an application, or deemed to be granted
- required or permitted to be carried out by or under any other enactment
- required to be carried out by virtue of a relevant obligation.
For full information, applicants should refer to Government guidance:
Alternatively, applicants can submit to the Council a Do I need Planning Permission request or apply for a certificate of lawful use. Information regarding these services can be found here:
Do I need planning permission?
To check which constraints, effect the site please visit our interactive mapping page:
Planning permission or prior approval
If your proposal falls under permitted development, you will need to submit an application so that we can give our prior approval.
Your application for prior approval allows us to:
- consider your proposal
- its likely impact on things like transport and highways
- understand how you might mitigate any impacts
You must not start work on your development until we have issued our decision.
Planning Practice Guidance sets out in a table when planning permission or prior approval is required. Please see Planning Practice Guidance paragraph 125.
Other consents
Listed Building Consent is required for demolition or partial demolition of a listed building or schedule ancient monument.
It is a criminal offence to carry out work which needs listed building consent without obtaining it beforehand.
Building Control will also need to be informed if you intend to demolish a building six weeks before starting work. Further information can be found on the below web page:
Demolitions - control and advice
If the building of structure which needs to be demolished is dangerous, please also visit the following web page:
Dangerous structures and public safety
Additional important information
Planning permission will be required to replace and building or structure. It is not automatic that permission will be granted following the demolition of a building or structure.