From time to time buildings and other structures become dangerous. These situations can present a risk to the general public as well as those directly involved.
We try, either with the co-operation of the building owner or through legal action, to make the situation safe or advise authorities such as the fire brigade upon the safety of their officers entering a building.
If you see a building or structure that looks to be unsafe please contact us with as much information as possible, including the names of owners if you have them. Alternatively call the police. They will pass your message onto us.
We have legal powers to require the owners of buildings or structures to remedy the defects, or it may be necessary to appoint and direct our contractors to carry out works to make the building or structure safe at the owner's expense.
Anyone intending to demolish a building is, in most instances, required to serve a notice on the Authority under Section 80 of the Building Act 1984. The notice should be accompanied by a location plan and method statement for the demolition.
Building Control will then consult with the relevant parties and, where appropriate, consent to demolish will be issued together with any conditions, which must be complied with when the demolition is carried out.
It may also be necessary to obtain consent under the Town and Country Planning Act before the building is demolished.
All demolitions require notice, except:
No other demolition works must be started without a Section 80 Notice being received by the council.
If you are intending on carrying out demolition works, not described above, you must complete and return the Section 80 Notice.
For further advice on demolitions you should contact the Building Control Section on 0845 129 7777 or 01298 28400.