We have a 24-hour call out service for customers to report dangerous buildings.

Under Sections 77 and 78 of the Building Act 1984 the Council has the authority to take appropriate action when a structure poses a potential safety risk to the public.

Our surveyors will inspect all reported dangerous buildings and where a danger does exist they will deal with each case individually in one of the following ways:

  • if the structure is not in immediate danger of collapse and a danger to life, we may apply to the Magistrates Court for an order to be made requiring the building's owner to make it safe or demolish it within a certain time. If the owner doesn't comply with the order, we may carry out the work and recover the costs from the owner (section 77)
  • in more serious cases where a building so dangerous that immediate action is required we may take such steps as are necessary to remove the danger. Where possible every effort will be made to give notice to the owner of the building of our intentions (section 78)

For general building enquiries:

Report an unsafe building

  • Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm telephone: 01902 555595
  • Emergency out of hours telephone: 01902 552999
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