Building control

Dangerous structures

The Building Control service is responsible for dealing with dangerous structures. Staff is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

Structures may become dangerous from old age, deterioration or settlement, or more dramatic causes such as explosion, fire, and vehicle impact or storm damage.

The council is authorised, under section of the London Building Act 1939, to deal with any building or structure that is dangerous or overloaded. In the case of imminent danger, we have the authority to take whatever action is necessary to preserve public safety, including fencing off, shoring, scaffolding or even demolition.

Costs incurred during such action can be recovered from the building owner.