Demolition, planned and controlled from start to finish.
Independent demolition management and consultancy for clients, developers and principal contractors — making sure every project is properly surveyed, legally compliant, safely sequenced and fully documented.
A safe, compliant demolition starts long before the first machine arrives.
Demolition is one of the highest-risk activities in construction. Structural instability, hidden hazardous materials, live services and neighbouring properties all need to be identified and controlled before work begins — and the legal responsibilities sit with the client as well as the contractor.
Meridian Environmental acts as your independent demolition consultant. We don't carry out the demolition ourselves, so our advice is impartial: we help you plan the project, appoint the right contractor, check their methods and monitor the works on site until the job is safely completed.
Demolition support at every stage.
Use us for the whole project or just the parts you need.
Feasibility & Pre-Demolition Surveys
Site inspections and desktop reviews to establish structure, services, access, neighbouring risks and the right approach before you commit.
Demolition Planning & Method Review
Independent review of demolition plans, method statements, risk assessments and sequencing to make sure they are suitable and achievable.
CDM 2015 Client Support
Helping clients understand and meet their CDM duties, including pre-construction information, appointments and the construction phase plan.
Asbestos & Hazardous Materials
Coordinating refurbishment & demolition surveys and making sure asbestos and other hazardous materials are dealt with before demolition. Asbestos management →
Tender & Contractor Selection
Preparing tender packages, assessing contractor competence and submissions, and helping you appoint the right demolition contractor.
Site Supervision & Monitoring
Regular on-site inspections to check the works follow the agreed plan, with clear reporting on progress, safety and any issues.
Dust, Noise & Vibration Control
Advising on environmental controls and monitoring to protect neighbours, the public and the workforce — and to reduce the risk of complaints.
Waste & Recycling Management
Pre-demolition resource audits and waste management planning to maximise reuse and recycling and keep waste duty-of-care compliant.
Close-Out & Handover
Final inspections, collation of certificates, waste records and documentation so you have a complete record when the site is handed over.
Five stages to a safe, successful demolition.
Feasibility & Information Gathering
We visit the site, review existing drawings and records, and identify the key risks, constraints and approvals the project will need.
Pre-Start Compliance
We make sure the right surveys, notifications and pre-construction information are in place before anyone starts on site.
Tender & Appointment
We prepare a clear scope, assess contractor competence and submissions, and review method statements and demolition plans before appointment.
Works on Site
We monitor the demolition against the agreed plan — checking exclusion zones, sequencing, environmental controls and waste handling — and report back to you regularly.
Completion & Handover
We carry out final inspections and pull together all certificates, waste records and documentation so the site is ready for the next phase.
The legislation and guidance we help you meet.
Demolition is tightly regulated. We make sure your project is planned and delivered in line with the key requirements, including:
CDM Regulations 2015
Duties for clients, designers and contractors — including the requirement for demolition arrangements to be recorded in writing before work begins.
BS 6187:2011
The British Standard code of practice for full and partial demolition, covering planning, methods and site management.
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
Asbestos must be identified and, where necessary, removed before demolition, supported by a refurbishment & demolition survey (HSE guidance HSG264).
Building Act 1984 — Section 80
Notice to the local authority before demolition, in most cases, allowing them to set conditions on how the work is carried out.
Environmental Protection Act 1990
Waste duty of care — making sure demolition waste is stored, transported and disposed of correctly, with the right records.
Control of Pollution Act 1974
Controls on noise and vibration from construction and demolition sites, including local authority requirements.
This is a summary for general information only. Requirements depend on the specifics of each project — we'll confirm exactly what applies to yours.
Demolition projects we support
Common demolition questions
Why use a demolition consultant if I already have a contractor?
As the client, you still carry legal duties under CDM 2015, including making sure the people you appoint are competent and that suitable arrangements are in place. An independent consultant checks the contractor's plans and monitors the works on your behalf, so you have confidence the job is being done safely and correctly — and evidence that you have met your duties.
Do I need an asbestos survey before demolition?
Yes. For buildings that may contain asbestos, a refurbishment & demolition (R&D) survey is required before demolition so that any asbestos can be located and removed safely beforehand. We can arrange and coordinate this for you.
Does my demolition project need to be notified to the HSE?
Under CDM 2015, a project must be notified to the HSE (using form F10) if the construction work is expected to last longer than 30 working days with more than 20 workers on site at the same time at any point, or to exceed 500 person days. We'll confirm whether your project is notifiable and help make sure it's done.
Do I need to tell the local authority?
In most cases, yes. Section 80 of the Building Act 1984 requires notice to be given to the local authority before demolition, and planning permission or prior approval may also be needed. Requirements vary with the building and location, so we'll check what applies to your site early on.
Can you manage just part of the project?
Absolutely. Some clients use us from feasibility to handover; others just need a method statement reviewed, a tender assessed or regular site inspections. We'll tailor our involvement to what you need.
Planning a demolition? Let's talk.
Get independent advice before you commit — from feasibility to final handover.