Dangerous Structures
Building Control Surveyors are available between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm Monday to Friday (except public and bank holidays) to respond to any report of a dangerous structure from a member of the public or the emergency services
A dangerous structure exists where there is a risk of harm occurring to the residents or visitors of North Hertfordshire. This may include things such as loose roof tiles, unstable garden walls or a building that has been damaged by storms, high winds, vehicle collision or fire. Buildings that are just run down are not necessarily classed as dangerous.
If you think that a building or structure within North Hertfordshire is dangerous, please contact Building Control as soon as possible for any necessary action and/or inspection.
Telephone: 01462 474355 (Monday - Friday between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm) or leave a message on the answer phone which will be responded to during normal working hours
Alternatively, you can email us on building.control@north-herts.gov.uk 
What will happen after I have reported a dangerous building/structure?
After we have made any necessary inspection of the building there are two possible courses of action which may be taken.
Scenario 1
The building or structure is dangerous and there is an imminent threat to the public's health and safety and the building owner is unable to undertake the necessary works or cannot be contacted.
We will employ contractors to carry out work to remove any immediate danger. This usually involves fencing off or shoring up of the building. This will then allow the owner of the building/structure to carry out the necessary remedial works to completely remove the threat of danger.
Scenario 2
The building/structure is dangerous but does not pose an immediate threat to the public's health and safety
If the building is dangerous, but not likely to harm anyone immediately, we will contact the owner and allow them a reasonable amount of time to carry out work to make the building safe. We will continue to monitor the building/structure during this period to ensure that the condition of the building does not worsen. If the owner fails to carry out remedial works, we can apply to a Magistrate's Court for an Order enabling us to carry out the work instead.
Whichever course of action is required, we can only make sure that the minimum amount of work is done to make the building safe and we will always try to recover the costs of any work involved from the owner of the building.
