Dangerous structures

The term 'dangerous structure' covers not only buildings or parts of buildings i.e. loose slates or tiles, but things such as garden walls, fences or hoardings. In fact, any structure which could endanger somebody because of its condition.

We are responsible for responding to all reports of dangerous structures within the borough to ensure that they are made safe.

How to report a dangerous structure

To report a suspected dangerous structure or building, please contact us on 020 7364 5000 during normal working hours or use our online form.

A building control officer is available 24 hours a day (out of hours on 020 7364 7070) to assess all reported dangerous structures.

Report a dangerous structure

What will building control do?

A building control officer will visit the site to inspect the structure.

If there’s an immediate risk to the public, the officer may order work to be undertaken immediately to alleviate the danger. The owner’s responsible for making the structure safe so whenever possible he/she will be contacted before any work is undertaken. If the owner cannot be contacted, the officer may order a contractor to undertake emergency work*. The cost for doing this will be charged to the owner.

*Please note that emergency call outs to contractors are charged at emergency call out rates and the fees can be costly.

Dangerous structure fees

If a structure is considered dangerous, the owner of the property is responsible for any fees incurred.

  • Surveying and certifying a reported dangerous structure, including serving a notice if required, further monitoring inspections and other services by council officers up to the time of (but not including) obtaining a summons, shall be:
    • £200 - where the survey to determine whether the structure was dangerous started after 8am and before 6pm between Monday to Friday; or
    •  £350 - where the survey to determine whether the structure was dangerous started at any other time or on a public holiday.
  • £350 - for obtaining a summons or order, together with court attendance, and any inspection of the structure before the hearing, and other services by a council officer.
  • Supervision and/or checking and certifying accounts and other services by the council/council officers undertaking work to remove an immediate danger and/or shore up, secure or hoard in a structure shall be 5% of the cost of the work, but subject to a minimum fee of £200.
  • Undertaking work to take down, repair or otherwise secure a dangerous structure following failure of the owner or occupier to comply with a court order, for obtaining tenders (if necessary), supervision and/or checking and certifying accounts and other services by council officers shall be 5% of the cost of the work, but subject to a minimum fee of £350.

For full details on our fees please see the dangerous structure fees and expenses regulations (pdf).

How to make a payment

Further information

The Communities and Local Government's website provides further information about the building regulations as well as the Planning portal website.