Q. Do I have to apply for permission to demolish a building?
Yes if the building exceeds 50 cubic metres in volume.
Q. Who do I have to apply to for permission to demolish a building?
You should apply to the property section of the Legal & Democratic Services Division in the Chief Executives Department. Telephone 0161 770 4838 or 0161 770 4844.
Q. What sort of precautions will I be expected to make?
You are expected to be professional in the approach to be taken to complete any demolition and specifically are expected :-
a) To liaise if necessary with Council Officers who deal with dangerous structures - they can be contacted on 0161 770 4372.
b) To conduct a risk assessment for the presence of building materials possibly containing asbestos. In relation to this you are also expected to comply with any control methods necessary to deal with an identified risk. Further advice can be obtained by contacting the Council’s Environmental Services Directorate on 0161-770-4502/4484.
c) To dispose of waste other than by burning on site. This can be achieved by working with a registered waste carrier and licensed waste disposal company. Inquiries about who to work with can be made with the Environment Agency on 0800 807060 or 01925 840000. If any burning occurs on site fires should not be left unattended, smoke should not be produced which is a nuisance to persons nearby and on no account should dark or black smoke be produced. Such incidents as these may breach legislation which the Council will take formal action about. In relation to possible dark or black smoke emissions, do not attempt to burn any material with a carbon content such as roofing felt, oil soaked timber and paint affected timber. Incidents where large amounts of smoke are produced can have a very serious temporary impact on Local Air Quality which the Council is trying to improve through implementation of Air Quality Management Areas. If in doubt obtain advice from the Council’s Environmental Services Directorate on 0161-770-4502.
Q. Do Building Control Consultancy Services deal with Dangerous Trees?
No – as they are not a building or man made structure. Environmental Services Arboricultural Officer can be contacted on 0161 770 4059, may be able to assist.
Q. Who do I contact if I wish to report a Dangerous Structure?
Contact Environmental Services Structures section on 0161 770 4372, outside normal office hours contact the emergency control room on one of he numbers below:
0161 628 2000
0161 770 4580
0161 624 8286
0161 620 7846
Q. Who is responsible for undertaking work to remove a Danger?
The responsibility for removing any danger posed by a dangerous building or structure always rests with the owner. The authority will endeavor to get the owner to arrange for remedial works carried out to alleviate the problem, however if they cannot be contacted and the situation poses an immediate threat to the public safety, the structures section will appoint an emergency work contractor. Any costs incurred will be recharged to the owner.