Report a dangerous structure or demolition

Report a dangerous structure or demolition

Report a dangerous structure

Dangerous buildings and structures are primarily the responsibility of their owners but we are here to protect the public and, if the safety of local people is affected by a dangerous structure, we will take action.

Dangerous structures vary from collapsing boundary walls, falling masonry and tiles, vehicle impact into buildings, fire damage, wind and weather damage, neglect and poor maintenance.

For the purpose of Building Regulations, there are two types of dangerous structures

• Imminent – structures which are at risk of collapse and must be secured for public safety
• Hazardous – structures which from a survey are unstable but not imminently dangerous

When a dangerous structure is reported a Building Control surveyor will visit the site to inspect the structure and arrange for appropriate action to be taken to remove any danger.

In some cases, we may have to take urgent and direct action ourselves to safeguard the public. Where we can, we will let an owner know what we are doing and give them an opportunity to carry out emergency repairs. If we have to carry out the work we may have to charge the owner for our reasonable costs.

If action required by an owner is not taken we can consider legal action and apply for a Magistrates Court order. We can carry out the work and seek to recover the reasonable expenses back from the owner if the court order is ignored.

If you have any doubts as to whether the building you are dealing with is dangerous please contact us immediately.

Please call 01604 526045 during normal working hours, phones are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm.

Unless called upon by the emergency services we do not operate an out of hours service.

Last updated 18 January 2024