The Building Control team have a responsibility to deal with dangerous structures as they occur.

Structures may become gradually dangerous due to old age, deterioration or settlement, or by more dramatic causes such as storms, explosions, fires or impact by vehicles.

All structures that appear to be dangerous should be reported to us and we will treat the matter with the utmost urgency.

If it is considered that a structure is immediately dangerous the Building Control Department can require immediate evacuation and require, or take, any action necessary to protect the public. Such action may involve temporary road closure, barricading, shoring, scaffolding, repairs or demolition.

There are three levels of action were the structure is not immediately dangerous:

• The owner will be alerted and informal advice will be given. More often than not this is sufficient to resolve an issue, however the owner will be given a reasonable period for the “danger” to be removed or rectified.
• If the situation is not resolved a Notice requiring the property to be made safe within a stated time will be issued.
• Subsequently 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.

You can report a dangerous structure using our online Report a Dangerous Building form.

Further Information

For further information or to report a dangerous structure please contact the Building Control section at Ashford Borough Council

Email Building Control

Tel : 01233 330282 (Outside of office hours: 01233 331111)
Fax: 01233 330682