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Dangerous structures - procedures

Where necessary the Council will either require the owner of the dangerous structure to make it safe or, in an emergency, take direct action to remove the danger under powers contained in Sections 77 and 78 of The Building Act 1984.

In most cases the owner of the structure will be contacted and required to remove the danger at their own cost.

If the structure is considered to be in imminent danger of collapse or part has already collapsed, the building control surveyor will require the owner of the structure to take immediate action to remove the danger.

Where the owner is unavailable, unable or unwilling to arrange for the danger to be removed, the surveyor will arrange for the minimum action necessary to remove the danger. This action can often involve putting up barriers or fencing to keep people away from the dangerous area until a more permanent solution is found. All actions taken will be confirmed in writing and the owner will be advised of the likely costs involved where these are available.

Costs

The owner of any structure that becomes dangerous is responsible for all the costs involved in making the structure safe. Where the Council carry out emergency works any costs will be charged to the owner.