Building Control

Demolitions

Control and advice

When intending to demolish a building or part of a building except the demolition of:

An internal part of a building, where the building is occupied and it is intended that it should continue to be occupied
A building that has a cubical content (as ascertained by external measurement) of not more than 1750 cubic feet, or, a greenhouse, conservatory, shed or prefabricated garage forming part of a larger building

Notice must be be given in writing to the Building Control Team, which is usually a minimum of 6 weeks prior to work commencing. You will then be notified by the council whether you application has been accepted and any stipulations.

You will need to submit your intention in writing.

A location plan of the building and adjoining streets must be provided together with a method statement for the demolition of larger buildings.

Statutory undertakers should also be notified in order that they may arrange for their services to be properly sealed.

Enforcements

Building or demolition works can cause problems for neighbours of the site. You can reduce or avoid causing any nuisance to the neighbours, or action being taken by the council, if you follow this advice.

Tell the council and the neighbours

Give the council 6 weeks notice of demolition work. We may impose some conditions about how the work should be done
Send a letter to the neighbours before work starts, telling them about the work and what to expect. Give the neighbours a contact name and telephone number and keep them informed
Deal promptly with any complaints received on site

Keep dust, noise and smoke to a minimum

Dust: Keep dust down by spraying with water when and where you can.

Noise: There is no legal requirement for construction sites to work specific hours. We work to ensure that construction companies work within a reasonable time zone. If you would like to make a complaint then please contact the Environmental Health Team.

Particularly noisy operations (e.g. Pile Driving) may need more stringent controls. Pumps and generators should not be left running overnight if they can be heard outside the site.

If you are a householder doing some or all the work yourself, try to avoid causing any noise or dust in the evenings or on Sundays.

If noise problems occur, the council and the neighbours can take legal action. If you think your work may cause a significant nuisance to the neighbours from noise or vibration, apply for 'prior consent' from the council who will allow a certain level of noise to occur.

Smoke:

Bonfires that release 'dark smoke' are illegal and we will prosecute any offenders
Stop the bonfire at the end of the working day
Advice about bonfires is available from the Environmental Health Team

Obstruction and damage to pavements

Do not let vehicles or materials block or damage the pavements
Do not leave obstacles, holes or trenches where they are a danger, especially to disabled people (e.g. the blind)
We may charge you for any damage caused to pavements, kerbs or verges by lorries or heavy plant

For further advice contact the Building Control Team.

Useful web links

Services for Council tenants whose property is affected by demolition|

The new link above should open up to the new page as well.

Contact

Planning Reception Service

Town Hall

1 Town Square

Barking

IG11 7LU

Supported by Barking and Dagenham Direct:

Tel: 020 8215 3000

Fax: 020 8227 5184

Textphone: 020 8227 5755

Email: 3000direct@lbbd.gov.uk|

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm.