Dangerous buildings & demolition
Where a building or other structure is in such a condition that it may place people in danger, the Council has legal powers, but not an obligation, under sections 77 and 78 of the Building Act 1984, to investigate and to take whatever action is necessary to remove the danger. The Council can similarly act under Section 79 of the Act to effect the removal of building materials and debris resulting from the demolition of a dangerous structure.
Examples of dangerous structures that are encountered are:
Dangerous chimney stacks and pots
Loose roof tiles or television aerials likely to fall on people below
Buildings damaged by fire
Buildings that have become dangerous due to excessive loading
Buildings damaged as a result of collision by vehicles
Buildings presenting a danger due to foundation failure
Buildings that have become dangerous due to substantial dilapidation
Garden walls in danger of collapse
Loose coping stones to walls
In order to be considered dangerous, a building or structure must be considered to pose a threat of causing harm to a person. Buildings which are simply dilapidated or run down would not necessarily therefore be considered dangerous, and minor items (damaged timber fencing panels for example) are also unlikely to qualify.
Last updated: 14 September 2006
