Dangerous structures and public safety
The Building Control Service has the responsibility for the
enforcement of legislation that requires building owners to make
safe and repair their dangerous buildings. The Service will
also seal up empty properties open to access and in extreme
cases will require building owners to demolish certain
dilapidated buildings.
We have the power to deal with buildings, structures or
parts of buildings or structures that are considered to be
dangerous. If a dangerous structure is reported we will inspect
it and, depending on the situation, we will take appropriate
action.
If the building or structure is considered to be imminently
dangerous then steps are taken to contact the owner to
give them the opportunity to have the danger removed
themselves. If this is not possible or they cannot be
found the Council may do the work. This only
occurs when there is an imminent danger to public safety and action
must be immediate. In these cases the Building Control
Officer will only do the minimum to remove the immediate
danger. This may be simply securing the area or partial
or complete demolition. It is then the owner's
responsibility to repair or demolish the building to permanently
remove the danger.
These buildings are not the responsibility of the local
authority, however the Building Control Service can carry out the
emergency work. If we undertake the work then we can recover
all reasonable costs incurred from the owner. Another option
available when the danger is not imminent is to obtain an order
from a Magistrates Court that requires the owner to carry out all
works necessary to remove the danger.
The primary aim of the legislation is to maintain a safe
environment. If you notice what you consider to be a dangerous
structure or building please contact us.