Demolition control and advice
The Building Act 1984 contains provisions that enable local
authorities to control demolition works for the protection of
public safety and amenity, and to ensure adjoining premises and the
site are made good on completion of the demolition:
- If you intend to demolish a building you are required to notify
the local authority using the demolition notice on our building control application forms page
with a copy to the utility services (Gas and Electricity) and the
occupier of any adjacent building.
- On receipt of the notice the building will be visited to
determine whether conditions need to be imposed to control:
- the process of demolition
- the remedial works needed on adjoining buildings
- the effect on services
- the treatment of the site on completion
- You will need to consult someone from the conservation and historic building team if
the building to be demolished is listed or situated in a
conservation area.
- The council’s highway maintenance section will inspect the
condition of the existing pavements and road surface so that any
damage as a result of the demolition may be reinstated at the
person carrying out the demolition’s expense.
- Advice can be obtained from street services should any
temporary road closures or alteration to pedestrian routes be
necessary. Contact the Public Realms department
on 0207 364 5004 or email generalenquiries@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
- The council has six weeks to issue its notice of conditions but
will aim to do this earlier wherever possible. It is
unlawful to commence demolition until this notice is
given.
- Inspections will be made during the course of demolition and on
completion as necessary to ensure that the conditions imposed by
the council are met and a charge will be made to recover expenses
incurred for undertaking surveys and for issuing the notice of
conditions.
- Attention is drawn to the Construction Design and Management
Regulations 1994 that apply to all demolition works and to the
Party Wall Act 1996 in respect of works to party walls, party fence
walls and party structures.
Should you wish to discuss your proposals
before submitting an application, please contact us on 020 7364
5009. Alternatively you can email us at buildingcontrol@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
A duty building control officer is available
for general advice on the building regulations. More information
about our service is available from our reception at the address
below.
How much do I have to pay?
Demolition Notice Charges
Section 10(3) of the London Local Authorities
Act 2004 provides for the recovery of reasonably incurred expenses
from a person on whom a notice is served under Section 81 of the
Act of 1984. The standard flat rate charge covers officer time and
administrative costs associated with survey, consultation and issue
of the notice.
Total charge is £175.00 (VAT is not
applicable)
Find out how to pay charges
How do I complain about noise, dust, hours of work or
site safety on demolition sites?
If you want to complain please contact the council’s
environmental protection team on 020 7364 5007 or write to:
Environmental Protection
Mulberry Place (AH)
PO Box 55739
5 Clove Crescent
London
E14 1BY
Further information
For further information on Building
Regulations please view Communities
and Local Government or the Planning portal
website.
How to contact us
For all general enquiries please telephone the
planning & building control hotline: 020 7364 5009
Building control offices
Mulberry Place (AH)
PO Box 55739
5 Clove Crescent
London
E14 1BY
Fax: 020 7364 5265
Email: buildingcontrol@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Open: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday - except public holidays
Map and
directions to planning offices (pdf 110K)