Dangerous structures
Building Control is responsible for the control of dangerous structures with regard to public safety.
Building Act - Sections 77 and 78
Building Control is responsible for the control of dangerous structures with regard to public safety.
Danger can take many forms such as falling masonry or roof tiles, unstable garden or boundary walls, and has even involved the demolition of complete buildings.
The Building Control Surveyor who visits the site makes a decision as to the course of action to be taken using the legislation indicated above. This can result in either the immediate removal of the danger by demolition, temporary support of the offending structure, closing/partial restriction of a highway. If the danger is not considered imminent, the serving of a notice on the owner of the premises to carry out remedial works within a stipulated period (usually 28 days) is the normal process used.
If the conditions of the notice have not been complied with within the given period, the Local Authority may apply to the Magistrates Court for an order enforcing the owner to carry out the works.
The whole process is aimed at protecting the public from risk of injury.
If you need to report a potential dangerous structure all you need do is contact the Building Control Section.