DANGEROUS STRUCTURES
Buildings and structures that appear to be dangerous should be reported to Building Control. It is important that you give precise information of the location and nature of the danger to allow us to act effectively.

The danger may constitute something as simple as a leaning boundary wall or loose slates falling onto the highway.

Structures can also become dangerous from lack of maintenance and repair, fire damage, explosions, land slippage, storm damage and vehicular impact.
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Storm damage

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Loose slates and broken window
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Fire damaged building
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Cracked wall

The powers for dealing with dangerous structures are contained in the Building Act 1984. There are basically two ways in which this can be done, either through serving notice on the building’s owner through the Magistrates’ Court requiring the danger to be removed, or in an emergency we may take action and recover costs later.

It is the normal practice to discuss the dangerous structure with the owner in the hope that the matter can be resolved quickly without recourse to the Courts.

Out-of-Hours
Dealing with dangerous structures is an essential role that is undertaken 7 days a week, 365 days a year. To report a dangerous structure out of normal office hours please use the following contact numbers:
  • For structures that pose and immediate danger and threaten life safety, phone the emergency services.
  • Otherwise contact ‘Wightcare’ (01983) 821105.

Dangerous Trees
Dangerous trees are not classified as structures under the Building Regulations. We would advise that you visit the Countryside section of the Planning Services Web site.



Page last updated on: 10/08/2010