In the first instance we will advise the owner of the remedial works considered necessary to remove the danger. Failure to carry out these works within a set time period may lead to the council taking legal action in the interests of public safety.
In extreme circumstances the council can invoke emergency powers to require the building or structure to be immediately made safe or to be demolished.
How to report a dangerous structure
If you think that a building or structure may be in a dangerous condition you should notify the council’s Building Control section.
On-call service
We operate a 24 hour on-call service to enable the public or emergency services to contact us and have a Building Surveyor on site any hour of the day or night.
Out of office hours
Out of office hours, a call to the council's Central Watch on 01942 404040 enables one our Senior Surveyors to be contacted and a site inspection made, normally within 90 minutes.
Charges
Should any work be required to be carried out by the council in the owner's absence a charge will be levied to cover this and the Building Surveyor's time.
Enforcement
We take our responsibility with regard to dangerous buildings very seriously and do not hesitate to prosecute individuals if they are unwilling to make their properties safe.
Legislation
- The Building Act 1984
- Section 77 Dangerous Buildings
- Section 78 Dangerous Buildings - Emergency Measures
Further information
