Dangerous Structures
- What is a Dangerous Structure?
- How do I report a Dangerous Structure?
- What will Building Control do?
- Contact Us
Haringey Council has statutory duties to deal with dangerous structures under London Local Authorities Act 2000, London Building Acts (Amendment) Act, 1939, to ensure that:
- All structures within the borough which are considered dangerous are made safe with the shortest possible delay
- Any demolition work undertaken within the borough is carried out with the necessary safety precautions, and in such a way that adjacent properties where appropriate are made safe
Buildings can become dangerous at any time and for a variety of reasons ranging from settlement or old age, vehicle impact, vandalism or design defects, to more dramatic causes such as fire, explosion or storm damage. In order to deal with this a Building Control Surveyor is on call day and night.
|back to topWhat is a Dangerous Structure?
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.
Dangerous structures fall mainly into two categories:
- Imminently: structures which are at risk of collapse and must be secured for public safety. The owner will normally be recharged for emergency works carried out in these cases
- Hazardous: structures which following a survey are deemed unstable but not imminently dangerous. In these cases the owner is given reasonable time to remove the danger. Failure to respond may result in a Magistrates Court Order being obtained
We work closely with the Police, Fire Brigade and other emergency services as well as external government agencies such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environmental Agency. Information about these external agencies can be found on their websites in the external links section below.
|Back to topHow do I report a Dangerous Structure?
You can report the dangerous structure directly to Building Control, either in person, by telephone or by completing an online form. Please note the online form is not suitable for reporting dangerous structures that require an immediate response, as Building Control will not inspect the reported dangerous structure until the next working day. Please see contact us for the different ways to report the matter.
|Back to topWhat will Building Control do?
The Building Control Surveyor will visit the site to inspect the structure and to arrange for appropriate action to be taken to remove any danger. The Surveyor can request a building owner to undertake whatever work is required to make a building safe or, when the need arises, employ a contractor to carry out whatever work is necessary to remedy a dangerous situation. In extreme cases this can result in demolition of the building itself.
The area surrounding the structure is often barriered off to ensure safety is maintained whilst the structure is being dealt with. If the structure is considered immediately dangerous and likely to collapse, the Building Control Surveyor will arrange for a builder to remove or repair the structure as soon as possible, normally on the same day. All costs are recoverable from the owner of the property.
|Back to topContact us
To report a dangerous structure:
- During normal working hours: 9am - 5pm
Tel 020 8489 1000 - Outside of normal working hours
Tel 020 8348 3148 - Report a dangerous structure online (this link opens into a new window) - Please note this form is not to be used where an immediate inspection is required
Address
Building Control
Level 6
River Park House
225 High Road
Wood Green
London
N22 8HQ
Useful External Links
The following links are not part of the Haringey Council website. Please read our legal disclaimer before using these links
Make a building control application
Buy a site plan
