About Dangerous Buildings
Dangerous buildings, walls and structures
Dangerous Buildings are controlled by the Council under Sections 77 and 78 of the Building Act 1984. 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.
We respond to all reports of dangerous buildings, walls and structures within the Borough on a 24 hour 365 days a year basis. We try to inspect any building or structure reported as being dangerous within two hours. You can contact us, at Building Control, during office hours by telephoning 01282 661727, or out of normal working hours on the Council's Emergency Switchboard on 01282 661999.
If the building or structure poses a potential danger to the safety of people, we take the appropriate action to remove the danger. We have legal powers to require the owners of buildings or structures to remedy the defects or we direct our contractors to carry out works to make the building or structure safe and recover expenses from the owner. It is often possible to discuss a dangerous building with its owner in the hope that the matter can be resolved quickly without the Council instructing work on a private property.
In addition, we provide advice on the structural condition of buildings during fire fighting to the Fire Brigade, or to the Police in the case of vehicular damage.
