Report a dangerous building
If any building structure is considered to be in a dangerous condition, Registered Building Inspectors are responsible for ensuring that the danger is removed to protect the general public.
What is a dangerous building or structure?
The term 'dangerous structure' not only covers buildings or parts of buildings, i.e. loose slates, or tiles, but also boundary walls, fences, or hoarding. In fact, any built structure which could by its condition endanger the public.
What makes a building or structure dangerous?
Buildings, like people; suffer from an ageing process, which can result in the structure becoming weaker.
Buildings or structures can become dangerous as a result of poor maintenance, fire, storm, vehicle impact or explosion.
Types of dangerous structures
There are two main categories:
Imminent
These structures are at risk of collapse and must be secured for public safety.
Hazardous
These structures are found to be unstable by an inspector but not imminently dangerous.
The owner is given a reasonable time to remove the danger. Failure to respond may result in a Magistrates Court Order being obtained.
Please note
Reports regarding drains, bus stops, trees, pathways, pavements, curbs, and roads need to be reported to:
Reports regarding noise and pollution need to be reported to:
Useful links
- Health and Safety Executive - for guidance on safe working practices and to report concerns of unsafe working practices.
- Environmental Agency - for information and help on the regulation of waste control, treatment of contaminated land, securement of water quality, inland river, conservation and ecology.
What happens next?
A Registered Building Inspector will visit the site and advise on the course of action to remove the danger and keep the public safe. An arrangement will be agreed for the structure to be removed or repaired within a certain timescale.
In the case of immediate danger, a Registered Building Inspector may employ an emergency contractor to carry out the necessary works, usually on the same day, and then recover the costs from the property owner.
To safeguard the public, a barrier is often put up around the area surrounding a structure while work is being carried out. Local councils might also liaise with other emergency services to ensure safety at all times.
Who to contact
We have a 24-hour call-out system for dangerous buildings. If any possible danger is observed, you should contact our offices on one of the following numbers:
- Office hours - telephone 01772 906913 (Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- Out of office hours - telephone 01772 794729 (emergency call out)
Please tell us:
- the address of the danger
- a description of what you consider to be dangerous and it's location
- any information known about the site ownership or access
- your name and contact number so that we can advise you of the action taken (optional).
Once we receive your report, we will attempt to keep you updated. (unless reported anonymously)
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