Dangerous structures and public safety
Building Control has a responsibility to deal with dangerous buildings as they occur. Buildings may become gradually dangerous due to old age, deterioration or settlement, or by more dramatic causes such as storm, explosion, fire or impact by vehicles. All buildings which appear to be dangerous should be reported to the Council who will treat the matter with the utmost urgency.
If it is considered that a building is immediately dangerous, we can require immediate evacuation and require, or take, any action necessary to protect the public and adjacent property. Such action may involve temporary road closure, barricading, shoring, scaffolding, repairs or demolition.
Where the building is not immediately dangerous, we will serve the owner with a Notice telling them the property must be made safe within a stated time. If satisfactory action is not taken within that time, we can issue an Enforcement Order. If this is not complied with, the Council can arrange all necessary works to make the building safe and recover expenses from the owner.
It is often possible to discuss the issue of a dangerous building with its owner and resolve matters quickly without the Council having to take formal action.