If you plan to demolish a building or part of a building in Salford, you must notify the council before work starts. This is a legal requirement under Section 80 of the Building Act 1984.
This page explains whether you need to submit a notice, what you need to submit, and what happens after you give the notice.
Do I need to submit a demolition notice?
You must submit a demolition notice if you intend to demolish:
- The whole or part of a building
- A structure larger than 1,750 cubic feet (50 cubic metres)
- A building not covered by one of the exemptions listed below
You do not need to submit a notice if:
- The demolition is internal only and the building remains occupied
- The structure is a small shed, greenhouse, conservatory, prefab garage or under 1,750 cubic feet (50 cubic metres)
- The demolition is of an agricultural building (unless it adjoins a non‑agricultural building) or carried out under a demolition or housing order
Before you submit the notice
You should prepare the following information to accompany your notice:
- Site address and description of the building(s) to be demolished
- A location plan (minimum scale 1:1250)
- Proposed start date (six weeks minimum notice required)
- Details of the demolition contractor (if known)
- A brief description of the method of demolition
Complex demolition
If a building or structure meets any of the following criteria, it will be classified as a complex demolition. Where this applies, it is recommended you provide a detailed method statement with your notice:
- Over three storeys (including basement).
- Footprint over 100 m².
- Listed, near a listed structure, or within a conservation area.
- Environmentally sensitive (e.g. contamination, asbestos, bat colony).
- Sensitive setting or structure (e.g. canal, railway, tunnel/underground works, bridge, public sewer or drain)
Apply online
Submit your Section 80 Demolition Notice online:
Apply using our contact us form
You must also send a copy of the notice to:
- occupiers of adjacent buildings
- gas, electricity and other relevant statutory undertakers
What happens after you apply
- Upon receipt of your Section 80 notice, the council will review the submission and may undertake a site inspection.
- A Section 81 notice may be issued within six weeks.
- The council may also carry out inspections during the course of the demolition works.
Note: Demolition work must not commence until a Section 81 notice is served, or six weeks has passed since the Section 80 notice was given. Failure to notify is an offence and may lead to prosecution.
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This page was last updated on 12 May 2026