Example of a dangerous structure - a rotten timber lintel with brickwork about to collapse, only supported by the gate below.
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How to report a Dangerous Structure
If you are concerned that a structure, building or part of a building may be dangerous, you can contact the Building Control section at any time. In the interest of public safety a senior building control officer is on call 24 hours a day every day of the year to give attention to dangerous structures. We will always aim to respond within 2 hours of notification of such a structure.
To notify us of a dangerous building or structure please call us on: 07881 787528.
If the line is engaged or there is another problem, you may also use officer telephone numbers during office hours; (01926) 456543, 456514, 456515, 456513.
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- Where necessary the danger will be removed immediately by the council's own appointed contractors under the supervision of a senior building control officer.
- If we need to take this action we will make every effort to contact the property owner first. If this is not possible, a card will be left at the premises indicating what action has had to be taken and who should be contacted for further advice.
- If a property is in a dangerous condition, but is not considered to be an immediate danger, a formal Dangerous Structure Notice will have to be served. This will specify works to be undertaken and give a reasonable time to respond.
- Where minor defects are found in properties we will, if possible, carry out an inspection and offer informal advice on the best way of rectifying the problem.
The powers which Building Control use to take action on dangerous structures come from the Building Act 1984, which splits the control of dangerous structures into two sections:-
- Section 77 - Dealing with structures that are not immediately dangerous and therefore do not require immediate action. This section requires the Council to apply to a Magistrates Court for an order requiring a building owner to carry out works to remove the danger.
- Section 78 - Emergency powers for dealing with immediately dangerous buildings and structures. This section allows authorised Council officers to immediately undertake work and recover the cost of these works from the building owner at a later date.
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