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Demolition Advice

In most circumstances, the demolition of buildings and other structures does not require any consent. However, there are many historic buildings as well as areas of distinctive character where control over demolition is necessary.

Demolition Control

Proposals for the demolition of Listed Buildings, Buildings in Conservation Areas and Areas of Townscape or Village Character are subject to demolition control. If you demolish buildings without the required consent of the Department of the Environment (DOE) you will be liable to enforcement action, leading to a possible fine and/or imprisonment, if found guilty and convicted. Unauthorised works to a Scheduled Monument is also an offence and persons found guilty are liable on conviction to a fine.

It is highly recommended that  you seek advice from DOE Planning before you carry out works to buildings, including demolition. Please use the link below to find out how to contact Planning:

Listed Buildings

If you wish to demolish alter or extend a Listed Building you must apply to the DOE for Listed Building Consent. To find out if a building is listed, please check with the DOE's Northern Ireland Environment Agency:

For more information you can check the following websites:

Forms for Listed Building Consent are available from your local area planning office or can be downloaded using the following link:

Buildings in Conservation Areas

If you wish to demolish a building in a Conservation Area you will need to apply to the DOE for Conservation Area Consent. Forms for Conservation Area Consent are available from your local area planning office who will also be able to tell you whether or not the building concerned is within the boundary of a Conservation Area. The form can also be downloaded using the following link:

Buildings in Areas of Townscape or Village Character

If you wish to demolish a building in an Area of Townscape or Village Character you will need to apply to DOE Planning for planning permission. The appropriate application form is available from your local area planning office who will also be able to tell you whether or not the building concerned is within the boundary of an Area of Townscape or Village Character. Application forms can also be downloaded using the following link:

Scheduled Monuments

If you wish to carry out any works on or near to a Scheduled Monument you must apply to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). Staff in NIEA will give you an application form and provide you with advice on the matter. You can contact them as follows:

Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Waterman House
5-33 Hill Street
Belfast
BT1 2GA

Gates, Walls, Fences and other means of enclosure

If you intend to demolish a gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure one metre or higher adjacent to a road or public open space or two metres or higher in any other case, within a Conservation Area or Area of Townscape or Village Character you will need to apply to the DOE for planning permission. You should consult your local area planning office with the details of the particular proposal and seek their advice.

Planning Policy Statement 6 (PPS6)

Planning Policy Statement 6 (PPS6) ‘Planning, Archaeology and the Built Environment’ and its addendum ‘Areas of Townscape Character’, sets out the Department’s planning policies for the protection and conservation of archaeological remains and features of the built heritage. It includes the Department’s policies on demolition control for Listed Buildings, buildings in Conservation Areas and buildings in Areas of Townscape and Village Character. PPS6 and its addendum are available at local area planning offices along with application forms for planning permission and other consents.

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