Building Control

Dangerous structures

A dangerous structure is any structure that forms a potential risk to the health and safety of the public. The building control team is responsible for responding to any report of a dangerous structure that could affect the public.

A Building Control Officer will assess all reports of dangerous structures. If there is an immediate risk to the public, then the officer may order work to be undertaken immediately to reduce the danger.

However, it is the owner who is responsible for making the structure safe so, whenever possible, he or she is contacted before any work is undertaken.

If the danger is immediate and the owner cannot be contacted the Building Control Officer may instruct a contractor to undertake emergency work, the cost of which will be charged to the owner.

The Building Control Officer will also liaise with other council departments about highway or public health issues, or the Health and Safety Executive, as appropriate.