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Dangerous structures

Where a building is in such a condition that it may put people in danger, we have legal powers to investigate and require that it be made safe.

Dangers can vary from loose drainpipes or roof coverings as a result of poor maintenance to a building collapsing as a result of a fire, storm damage or a road traffic accident. The most common problem is unstable boundary walls.

To report a dangerous structure:

Use our Online Form

Contact our Building Control Team on 01993 86143 or email building control team

What happens next?

Once we've been notified of a dangerous structure, one of our building control officers will visit the site. They'll examine the level of danger and may have the structure made safe or demolished depending on the severity.

The owner of any building or structure that becomes dangerous is responsible for all the costs involved in making it safe. We will try to contact them to remove the danger. In an emergency we may have to correct the problem - they will be liable for any costs incurred.

If the owner is unavailable, unable or unwilling to arrange for the danger to be removed, we will do the minimum necessary to safeguard the area. This could involve putting up fencing to keep people away from the danger area until a more permanent solution is found. All actions will be confirmed in writing and if available, the owner will be advised of the likely cost involved.