Building Control (including Demolition Notice)

Construction works are subject to a variety of building regulations and most development will require building control approval prior to commencement of the relevant part of the development. This is to ensure that buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with Building Regulations and associated legislation.

Building approval would be required for such works as the demolition of existing buildings, the erection of a new building or structure, the extension or alteration to a building, change of use of buildings, installation of services, underpinning works, and fire safety/means of escape works.

Notice of intention to demolish existing buildings must be given to the Council’s Building Control Service at least 6 weeks before work starts. A completed application form together with detailed plans must be submitted for approval before any building work is commenced.

Epsom & Ewell’s Building Control service is managed by Elmbridge Building Control Services Ltd (EBCS). They can be contacted at 01372 303145 or bcadmin@epsom-ewell.gov.uk.

Party Walls

The Party Wall Act 1996 requires a building owner to notify, and obtain formal agreement from, any adjoining owner, where the building owner proposes to carry out work to an existing party wall; build on the boundary with a neighbouring property or in some circumstances, carry out groundworks within 6 metres of an adjoining building.

Notification and agreements under this Act are the responsibility of the building owner and are quite separate from Building Regulations or planning controls. The Building Control Service will assume that an applicant has obtained any necessary agreements with the adjoining owner.

Further information and advice is to be found in the Explanatory Booklet