Dangerous Structures

Building Control has the responsibility under the Building Act 1984 to inspect and take appropriate action to deal with any public or privately owned structure that is considered to be in a dangerous condition

Should you wish to inform us of a Dangerous Structure we have a 24 hour call out system 365 days a year for dangerous buildings in Leicester.

To report a dangerous structure please phone one of the following numbers:

•  0116 252 6652  

•  0116 254 4344   out of normal office hours

 Alternatively,  if it is not immediately dangerous, report it to us by email.

Our surveyors are responsible for investigating buildings and structures which are considered to be in a dangerous condition and ensuring that the owner of the building or structure takes the appropriate remedial action to have it made safe. This can involve the serving of Notices and obtaining applications for court orders to ensure the required work is undertaken. In situations where a building or structure is considered to be in an imminent danger of collapse the City Council may use emergency powers under the Building Act 1984 to facilitate the making safe as a matter of urgency.

Emergency powers 

Once a reported dangerous structure is received an experienced Building Control Surveyor will visit the site to assess the danger and associated risks. When the situation is considered to be imminently dangerous an officer will visit the site within 1.5 hours. If immediate action is required to remove the danger the officer, with prior consultation with the owner where possible, will authorise immediate action to be taken to remove the dangerous situation in accordance with the powers provided by Section 78 of the Building Act 1984.

Notice to remove/repair

If the structure is considered not to be imminently dangerous but in such a condition as to be dangerous the owner will be advised on what action is required to remedy the situation. If necessary we can serve a Notice under Section 77 of the Building Act 1984 and subsequently apply to the Magistrates Court to obtain an order for the owner of the structure to undertake the necessary work in reasonable time period. Section 36 of the Leicestershire Act 1985 may also be enforced in the same way for the repair or removal of dangerous boundary walls.

Examples of dangerous structures that we deal with are:

• Dangerous chimney stacks and pots

• Loose roof tiles or television aerials likely to fall on people below

• Buildings damaged by fire

• Buildings that have become dangerous due to excessive loading

• Buildings damaged as a result of collision by vehicles

• Buildings presenting a danger due to foundation failure

• Buildings that have become dangerous due to substantial dilapidation

• Garden walls in danger of collapse

• Loose coping stones to walls

For advice, please contact Building Control .

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