Demolition Notices (Section 80)What Contractors Need to Know
Formal notice to the local authority required at least 6 weeks before demolishing a building under the Building Act 1984.
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What Are Demolition Notices (Section 80)?
A Section 80 demolition notice is a formal written notification that must be submitted to the local authority at least 6 weeks before demolition work begins on a building. Under Section 80 of the Building Act 1984, anyone intending to demolish a building must notify the local authority in advance. The authority then issues a Section 81 counter-notice setting out requirements for how the demolition must be carried out — covering matters such as shoring up adjacent buildings, weatherproofing exposed surfaces, disconnecting services, and managing debris. Work cannot begin until the counter-notice requirements are understood and arrangements are in place.
Why Demolition Notices (Section 80) Matter
Starting demolition without serving a Section 80 notice is a criminal offence. The local authority can seek an injunction to halt work, and the contractor or building owner faces prosecution. Beyond the legal requirement, the Section 81 counter-notice provides essential information about obligations to neighbouring properties and services that must be addressed before demolition starts. Ignoring these requirements can result in damage to adjacent buildings, severed utilities, and significant civil liability.
This guide is for informational purposes only. ContractorVault does not provide compliance advice, certify documents, or approve compliance status. Always consult a qualified professional for specific regulatory requirements.
What You Need to Know
UK Regulation
Building Act 1984 (Section 80)(external link)Review Frequency
Once per demolition project — submit at least 6 weeks before work begins
Related Documents
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Frequently Asked Questions — Demolition Notices (Section 80)
What buildings require a Section 80 demolition notice?
Section 80 applies to the demolition of any building or structure, with some exceptions: buildings with a cubic content of less than 1,750 cubic feet, greenhouses, conservatories, prefab garages, agricultural buildings, and certain internal demolition works. If in doubt, serve the notice — there is no downside to over-notifying.
What information must a Section 80 notice include?
The notice must identify the building to be demolished, the intended method of demolition, the measures proposed for shoring up adjacent structures, making good any damage to adjacent buildings, disconnecting and sealing utilities (gas, electricity, water, drainage), and the arrangements for removing materials and debris from site.
What is a Section 81 counter-notice and what does it require?
After receiving your Section 80 notice, the local authority has 6 weeks to issue a Section 81 counter-notice. This sets out the authority's requirements for how the demolition must be managed — which may include additional conditions around shoring, weather protection for adjacent properties, utility disconnections, and site management. You must comply with all counter-notice requirements.
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