The service has a ‘power’ rather than a ‘duty’ to deal with dangerous structures and if you are concerned that a building or structure may be dangerous you should contact the office by email only so that we may investigate the matter.
Where necessary we will make arrangements for the danger to be removed immediately under the close supervision of an experienced building control officer who will ensure that the work is carried out in the most suitable way.
If we need to take this action in respect of your property we will make every effort to contact you first. If this is not possible, a card will be left at the premises indicating what action has had to be taken and who should be contacted for further advice.
If your property is in a dangerous condition, but is not considered to be an immediate danger, a formal dangerous structure notice will have to be served, but we will give you reasonable time to respond and offer a point of contact for further guidance.
There will be a charge for dealing with dangerous structures to cover any contractor’s charges incurred. Where minor defects are found in properties we will, if possible, carry out an inspection and offer informal advice on the best way of rectifying the problem.
If you fail to remove the danger action will be taken in the magistrates court which will render the owner responsible for incurring the costs for carrying out the work which would be undertaken by the authority.