Dangerous structures

Building Control Surveyors will investigate reports of dangerous buildings and structures. Our aims are to:

• Inspect reported dangerous structures within 24 hours (2 hours where reported by the emergency services) and,
• to ensure buildings and structures are made safe and their condition does not put at risk or cause injury to members of the public

  Reporting a Dangerous Structure

  • Simply complete and submit the Report Form. This will be forwarded to a Surveyor who will investigate and take any necessary action to resolve the matter.
  • Out of hours emergencies must be reported to the Out of Hours Service - Telephone: (023) 8023 3344

  Typical Dangerous Structures

  • Leaning garden walls
  • Storm damaged buildings
  • Loose roofing materials
  • Cracked and bulging walls
  • Buildings damaged by vehicle impact / fire Leaning chimney stacks
  • Overloaded retaining walls etc

  Likely Course of Action

  Firstly, the reported building or structure will be inspected / investigated.

  • Where the structure is in a dangerous condition the Surveyor may, if the circumstances require, take immediate action to remove the danger.
  • Alternatively, a Court Order may be sought from the Magistrates` Court requiring the owner to either carry out necessary work or demolish the building (or part) to make the building safe.
  • In certain cases, it may be necessary to carry out further investigations and monitoring to quantify the dangerous nature of the building / structure and to help determine the appropriate course of action.