Dangerous Structures and Public Safety

The Building Control Division has a responsibility to deal with dangerous buildings as they occur.

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.

If it is considered that a building is immediately dangerous the Building Control Division can require immediate evacuation and require, or take, any action necessary to protect the public. Such action may involve temporary road closure, barricading, shoring, scaffolding, repairs or demolition.

There are three levels of action were the building is not immediately dangerous

• The owner will be alerted and informal advice will be given. More often than not this is sufficient to resolve an issue, however the owner will be given a reasonable period for the "danger" to be removed or rectified.
• If the situation is not resolved a Notice requiring the property to be made safe within a stated time will be issued.
• Subsequently if satisfactory action is not taken, an Enforcement Order may be issued. If this is not complied with, the Council can instruct all necessary works to make the building safe and recover expenses from the owner.