Step 2 – The section 80 demolition notice

What is the Section 80 Demolition Notice?

The Section 80 Demolition Notice is also known as the Notice of Intended Demolition and is featured in the 1984 Building Act. For those who have the intention to demolish a part or whole building, this notice must be completed by the person responsible.

Generally, notice is required to be given to the Local Authority six weeks before the intended date of the demolition of part or a whole building. They will then have six weeks to respond with appropriate notices and consultation under Sections 81 and 82 of the Building Act.

If six weeks have passed and the Local Authority does not issue a Section 81 Notice with regard to your submission, demolition can then proceed.

Three exemptions to note

1. A Section 80 Demolition Notice will not be required if the demolition is due to a Demolition Order made under Part IX of the 1985 Housing Act.
2. A Notice does not need to be submitted if the demolition is for a shed, greenhouse, conservatory, prefabricated garage, or buildings of less than 1,750 cubic feet.
3. If the demolition is for an agricultural building, a Section 80 does not need to be submitted unless it is attached to another non-agricultural building, as stated in Schedule 5 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.

Information needed

When submitting your Section 80 Demolition Notice, you will need to specify the building you are intending to demolish as well as the scope of works that you plan to carry out.

Additionally, the notice will need to be sent to any adjacent buildings, the National Grid, and the relevant Electricity Board that is providing power to the building in question.

It is important to also note that failure to comply with the legislation regarding demolition under the 1984 Building Act may result in a summary conviction and a fine.

What to do if you receive a Counter-Notice

If you are served a Counter-Notice under Section 81 of the Building Act 1984 by the Local Authority, any demolition work will need to be suspended until the following works have been completed:

• Shore up any building adjacent to the property marked for demolition.
• Weatherproof any surfaces of an adjacent building that will be exposed by the demolition.
• Repair any damage that an adjacent building has sustained due to the demolition work.
• Remove any material or rubbish created by the demolition.
• Disconnect and seal any sewer or drain under the demolished building.
• If any sewers or drains are removed, the remaining connections should be sealed.
• Make good the surfaces of the ground disturbed by sewer or drain removal and sealing.
• Ensure that the necessary companies have been contacted to disconnect gas, electricity and water.
• Make appropriate arrangements for the burning of any structures or materials.
• Take appropriate steps to protect the public and preserve the public amenity during the demolition and afterwards.

Are you planning work where a building may need to be demolished? Weaver Demolition’s dedicated and highly competent team have over 50 years experience in the demolition industry and can offer advice and help to submit Section 80 Demolition Notices. For more information, please contact us here.