Dangerous Structures

Buildings become dangerous for many reasons age, deterioration, settlement, impact by vehicles, explosion or fire damage. Other dangers can come from loose masonry or slates and unstable garden boundary walls. The council operates an emergency service and officers are available 24 hours a day to deal with any situation which may arise. Working closely with the emergency services, the officer will act upon information received.
 
The officer will visit the site and take whatever action necessary, using powers available under section 77 and 78 of the Building Act 1984. Action can result in the danger being removed immediately, or the provision of temporary support, the closing of a highway or, if the officer considers that there is no imminent danger, the owner of the building or structure being served with a notice requiring remedial work to be undertaken within a prescribed period (usually 21 days). If the owner fails to comply with the notice within the time permitted, the council may then apply to the Magistrates Court for an order enforcing the owner to execute the works. The procedure is to safeguard the general public against injury or worse.

Please note that from 1st October 2010 the Council will apply the relevant charges for time spent dealing with dangerous structures. These costs will be recovered from the owner of the dangerous structure. Download a fee sheet for Other Building Control Services (PDF, 39KB) for a breakdown of charges.

To report a dangerous structure during normal office hours please contact the Building Control Offices on the contact numbers below.

If you need to report a dangerous structure outside the normal office hours, please ring 0300 123 5500.