Dangerous structures and public safety

Under the Building Act 1984 local authorities are able to deal with a building or structure that is in a dangerous condition.

The danger may have arisen from the condition of the property or from loads that a building or structure may be carrying.

Every day of the year local authority Building Control Officers regularly investigate reports of possible ‘dangerous structures’ and decide whether there is in fact a danger, and if so, whether the danger is potential or imminent.

Where a building or structure is considered to be in such a state or is carrying such loads as to be imminently dangerous and immediate action should be taken to remove the danger, the local authority may take such steps as are necessary for that purpose.

Efforts would be made to contact the owner before this action is taken as the cost of such work is recoverable from the owner of the property.

If the survey indicates a potential danger it is usual for building control to serve informal notice on the owner requesting that steps be taken to remove the danger and giving reasonable time within which to carry out the work.

Where an owner fails to comply with an informal notice, steps can be taken by the local authority to apply to a Magistrates Court by way of complaint for an order.

A court may make an order requiring the owner to carry out such work as may be necessary to remove the danger, stipulating a time within which the work must be done, or where the danger arises from overloading of the building or structure, restricting its use until a court is satisfied that any necessary work has been done.

See the frequently asked questions page for further information.

What do you do if you think a building or structure is dangerous?

If you are concerned that the structure of a building is unsafe and making it dangerous, report the problem directly to Council's Building Control section in person or by telephoning us on 0151 606 2020.

For out-of-hours emergencies call 0151 647 7810.

We are here to help and ensure the safety of the public when a dangerous structure or building is identified. Our Building Control can offer advice and guidance to property owners.

Where necessary the council can require the owner of the dangerous structure to make it safe or, in an emergency, take direct action to remove the danger under powers contained in Sections 77 and 78 of The Building Act 1984.

If you are a building owner or their agent, what will the building control officer do?

A Building Control officer will visit the site to inspect the structure and arrange for the appropriate action to be taken to maintain public safety.

If the structure is considered potentially dangerous, the owner of the building or structure will be contacted and asked to arrange for removal of it or for repairs to be carried out. A letter to confirm what action is needed and by when will be sent to you.

If the structure is considered to be in imminent danger of collapse or part has already collapsed, the building control officer will try to contact the owner of the building or structure to require their urgent action in removing the danger. If the owner is unavailable, unable or unwilling to arrange for the danger to be removed, the officer will arrange for the Councils appointed contractor to take the minimum action necessary to remove the danger. This action can often involve putting up barriers or fencing to keep people away from the dangerous area until a more permanent solution is found. All actions taken will be confirmed in writing and if available, the owner will be advised of the likely cost involved.

What charges will be made for this service?

No charge will be made for the advice or guidance given by the building control officer. However, where the council's Contracting Services are used to deal with the danger, payment of their charges will be the responsibility of the owner of the building or structure.