When Permitted Development Rights Do Not Apply

You might think you can knock down a building using your "permitted development rights" – those general permissions that allow certain work without a full planning application. However, when it comes to demolition, there are specific situations where these rights simply don't apply, meaning you'll need to seek full planning permission instead. You cannot proceed with demolition under permitted development if any of the following conditions are met:

• Your land already has planning permission for new construction: This means if a formal approval for rebuilding on that site has already been issued, either because you applied for it directly or because it was officially deemed as granted.

• Another law requires or allows the demolition: If a different legal act or statute specifically mandates or gives permission for the demolition work.

• A legal commitment dictates the demolition: If you are bound by a particular legal agreement or obligation that necessitates you to carry out the demolition.