Breaking ground

Thanks Ricky. Is demolishing half the garage and moving gas lines included in that?

No it's not

Typically a start on site usually is considered to have been made once a first inspection has been carried out. It's a grey area. But the first inspection is something official that proves that work has started, while other activity could have happened but its hard to prove.

Demolition of a garage and moving gas lines might be accepted as a start on site if it can be proved to be part of the approved works and there is also a provable date. It's potentially arguable. Not saying the people who make the decisions will agree with that being acceptable as a start on site. But you might be able to argue the point sufficiently for them to agree with you. For example demolition in a conservation area especially will have been works that required approval - so if that work has been done in accordance with the planning approval then that is one tick in its favour... Also works to gas pipes is notifiable, so if the notice has been sent into building control for that work then potentially that is also proof... The only thing you can do is present that information, tell them that you understand this is a proof that you have started on site prior to the deadline, and see what they say. Good luck.

Thank you so much!