Permission for demolition
Demolishing a building often needs prior approval, and sometimes full planning permission: conservation areas, pubs and certain other buildings are treated more strictly.
Demolition is more controlled than many people expect. Even where full planning permission is not needed, you usually have to give the council the chance to approve the method and site restoration first.
- Demolition of many buildings, subject to a prior-approval application on method and restoration
- Removing walls, gates and fences below the height thresholds (outside conservation areas)
- Demolition already required under other legislation or a legal obligation
- Pubs and drinking establishments, concert halls, theatres and live music venues
- Relevant demolition in a conservation area
- Listed buildings and scheduled monuments (separate consent regimes)
- Buildings deliberately made unsafe where repair is practicable
Don't forget building regs
Demolition is notifiable to building control, which sets requirements for safety, adjoining buildings, services disconnection and site security. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may also apply where you demolish up to a shared boundary.
Demolition is usually the first stage of a rebuild, so we plan it alongside the new design and confirm which approvals the site needs. Where a party wall is involved we can prepare the initial notice. Start on the contact page.
Frequently asked
Do I need permission to demolish a building?
Usually you need at least a prior-approval application covering the method of demolition and how the site will be restored. Full planning permission is required for certain buildings, pubs, theatres, concert halls, and for relevant demolition in a conservation area.
Do I need permission to knock down a garden wall?
Outside conservation areas, removing a wall, fence or gate is generally permitted. Within a conservation area, taking down a boundary structure can need consent, so it is worth checking first.
Not sure where your project stands?
Checking whether you need planning permission is one of the first things we do: on the house, before any drawings. Tell us about your project and we'll confirm the route.