• Dangerous Sructures and Public Safety
Contact:
  • Building Control
  • Address:
    Trimbridge HouseTrim Street Bath BA1 2DP
  • E-mail:
    building_control@bathnes.gov.uk
  • Telephone:
    01225 477517
  • Fax:
    01225 477637
  • Minicom:
    01225 477647 (Textphone only - please do not use for any other calls)
  • Page Updated:
    09/12/2007
  • Author:
    Building Control
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Dangerous Structures and Public Safety

Building Control Service

The Building Control service is responsible for dealing with dangerous structures. Staff are available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year and will respond promptly to calls for assistance.

Structures may become dangerous as a result of old age, deterioration or settlement or by more dramatic causes such as explosion, fire, vehicle impact or storm damage.

Emergency Action

Emergency measures required

The Local Authority has powers, under section 78 of the Building Act 1984, to deal with any building or structure that is in a dangerous condition or overloaded.

In the case of imminent danger the council is empowered to take whatever action is necessary to preserve public safety, including fencing off, shoring, scaffolding or even demolition. Costs incurred by the Council can be recovered from the building's owner.

Normal Action

In cases where a less imminent danger exists the Council can report the matter to local Magistrates and obtain a Court order, under Section 77 of the Building Act 1984, requiring the owner of the offending building or structure to make it safe or to demolish it.

If the building or structure is in a conservation area or is listed as being of historic or architectural interest, the court would expect the Council to have first considered solving the problem using its conservation powers.

We always prefer however, to consult with the owner of the building to arrange for the danger to be removed before taking any legal action.

Ruinous or dilapidated structures and sites that are neglected

A dangerous building

The Council are empowered by Section 79 of the Building Act 1984 to deal with sites and buildings that are ruinous, dilapidated or neglected.

The owner may be required by the Council to restore or repair the offending site, structure or building; or, if the owner so elects, to demolish the whole or part of the offending structure or building and remove any rubbish where necessary.

Warning

Listed Building or Conservation  Area consent must be obtained prior to the demolition of any part of a building that is listed or situated within a conservation area.