If a building or structure is imminently dangerous we can get the owner to remove it or make it safe. If the owner does not do this we can carry out the work and reclaim costs or apply to the Magistrates Court for an order requiring the owner to do the work. Please contact us.
Contact Details | Online Services | |
Phone: | Planning & Building Control Contact Team - 024 7637 6328 Emergency Contact Number (Out of Hours) All Services 024 7638 2153 | |
Fax: | 024 7637 6214 | |
Email: | ||
Service Unit: | Environmental Health, Planning & Development | |
We provide a 24 hour service to deal with reported dangerous buildings/structures.
How to report a building/structure that is in a dangerous condition
- To report an incident please contact us via the phone numbers provided above.
- Alternatively you can report it using our online service above, (although for emergencies this may not be the best option. )
What happens when a dangerous structure is reported to us?
- We will visit the site and assess the danger. We aim to do this within 2 hours of receiving the report,
- If the reported danger, in our professional opinion, is not dangerous, then we will take no further action. If minor repairs/maintenance are necessary we may contact the owner to get these carried out.
- If we consider that a danger does exist, but not of an absolutely immediate nature, then we will contact the owners and agree a course of action. This will set a time by which to make the building or structure safe or to remove the danger. The situation is monitored until resolved. In some circumstances we may apply to the Magistrates Court for an order requiring the owner to do the work.
- If we find the situation to be so dangerous that matters cannot wait, and the owners cannot do something immediately, we have the powers to make safe or remove the danger.
Conditions
- Care needs to be exercised if the building is a listed building or in a designated Conservation Area.
- Buildings/structures that are empty or in an unsightly condition may not be considered such a risk.
What is considered to be a dangerous structure?
- Our main concern is public safety. Buildings can and do become dangerous for many reasons. The most usual of these are: neglect combined with old age, fire, vehicle impact and badly carried out alterations.
- If we feel that users of a building/structure, or those people that are close to a building/structure, are at risk we can resolve the situation.
- Please note that the building/structure must pose a safety risk for us to be able to act.
- Buildings/structures that are empty or in an unsightly condition may not be considered such a risk.
Who is responsible for keeping a building/structure safe?
The owner(s). Reasonable costs can be reclaimed from the owner if we have to arrange for work to be carried out.
