Our Building Control service has a responsibility and statutory function to investigate and deal with dangerous buildings and structures as they occur.
Buildings may become gradually dangerous due to old age, deterioration or settlement or from more dramatic causes such as storm, explosion, fire or impact by vehicles.
The high winds experienced over the last few years have caused considerable structural damage across the borough, resulting in incidents requiring attendance by our Building Control surveyors.
Older structures have proved to be particularly vulnerable, although we're pleased to report that more recent construction in accordance with current regulations has performed well.
All buildings which appear to be dangerous should be reported to us and we'll treat the matter with the utmost urgency.
If a building is considered as immediately dangerous, building standards can require immediate evacuation and to take any action necessary to protect the public and adjacent property. Such action may involve temporary road closures, barricading, shoring, scaffolding, repairs or demolition.
Where the building is not immediately dangerous, the owner will receive a notice requiring the property to be made safe within a stated time and if satisfactory action is not taken, an enforcement order may be issued. If this is not complied with, we can instruct all necessary works to make the building safe and recover expenses from the owner.
It is often possible to discuss a dangerous building with the owner, in the hope that the matter can be resolved quickly without the need for us to instruct work on a private property.
Report a dangerous structure or building
If you believe a structure or building presents an immediate danger to life or limb, please call us:
- during office hours (8.45am to 5 pm) on 0161 253 5313
- out of office hours 0161 253 6606.
If you wish to report a building or structure that does not appear to pose an immediate danger, you can report this to us online.