Other responsibilities of Building Control

Dangerous Buildings

All local Authorities have a duty of care within their Districts, for public safety arising from dangerous buildings or structures.

Buildings may become dangerous due to general deterioration, fire, structural failure, adverse weather conditions, explosion, vehicle impact, etc. and in some cases require emergency measures to be taken. North Worcestershire Building Control operates an emergency service to advise building owners, police and fire services on structural matters, following reports of dangerous buildings. This service is carried out by Building Control Officers in respect of all properties and structures within the district.

Costs for any work undertaken by the Local Authority to remove imminent dangers are recoverable from the building owners. It is normal practice for Building Control to discuss the dangerous structure with the owner in order to resolve the matter quickly, but if necessary legal action would then be taken.

Demolitions

Demolitions are controlled under the Building Act 1984. Advice and guidance will be given on any proposed demolition prior to a formal notice being submitted. The demolition forms are available at this link below or upon request. Method Statements will be required with submitted Demolition Notices.

If the building is listed or is in a conservation area, consent will also be required under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990

Demolition Notice Form 

Safety of sports grounds

Inspections of premises forming sports grounds, which fall within legislation requirements, are carried out and reported upon. The inspections are carried out for safety purposes, and relate to all aspects concerning spectator safety, and form part of Police and Fire Authority requirements.

Contravention and enforcement of the building regulations

The Local Authority has a general duty to enforce the Building Regulations in its area and will seek to do so by informal means wherever possible. However if a person contravenes the Building Regulations, the Local Authority may decide to take legal action in the magistrate's court where fines are levied and penalties are enforced. Alternatively, or in addition, an enforcement notice requiring the owner to remove or alter the contravention can also be imposed.