Demolitions

If you plan to demolish a building that isn't exempt, you must notify us using our online form.

The demolition work should only begin once:

• a section 81 notice has been served, which sets out the demolition conditions
• waiting for a 6-week period to pass without any response from us

Submit a Notice to carry out a demolition form

If you intend to put up a scaffolding or hoarding on the public highway, you must first get the consent of Oxfordshire County Council (Highways Authority). You can get a form to apply for this from the ;Oxfordshire County Council website.

Demolition exemptions

Buildings exempt from demolition control include:

• buildings with an external size of less than 50 cubic metres (smaller than an average double garage)
• conservatories, sheds, or garages that are extensions of a building
• buildings used solely as agricultural buildings
• occupied buildings where the intent is to keep them occupied

Listed buildings and conservation areas

For demolitions involving listed buildings or located in conservation areas, contact our Design, Heritage, and Specialist Services team at heritage@oxford.gov.uk.

Handling asbestos

If you encounter asbestos materials, contact the Health and Safety Executive immediately for guidance on safe removal and disposal.

Demolition completion requirements

When all demolition works on site have finished, the demolition contractor must notify Building Control.

This is a requirement under the demolition process and helps us ensure that all relevant conditions have been met.

What you need to provide

Please complete our online Demolition Notice of Completion form to:

• confirm that demolition works have been fully completed
• confirm that all actions and conditions set out in the Section 81 Demolition Counter Notice have been complied with
• provide photographic evidence showing that:
  • the site has been cleared, and
  • the site has been left secure, with measures in place to prevent unauthorised access

Submit a Demolition Notice of Completion form

The Building Control Inspector will review the Notice of Completion and may contact you to arrange a site visit at this stage if required.

Why we need this information

These steps help ensure that demolition has been carried out safely and in accordance with statutory requirements, and that the site no longer poses a risk to the public.