DANGEROUS STRUCTURES

Building owners have a duty to ensure that their buildings are properly maintained in a safe condition, so that members of the public using a highway, street or footpath are not put at risk. Councils have responsibility to inspect dangerous buildings, walls and structures that are adjoining or abutting any street or public footpath and this is done in Ards by the Building Control service.

In the event that the owners fail to maintain their building in a safe condition the Council will serve a Notice on the owner specifying the nature of the danger and requesting that it be made safe. In the unlikely event that the Notice is not acted upon within the stated time period, the Council may carry out such works deemed necessary and recover the cost through the Courts. Councils use the expertise of Building Control to identify, advise on and control the hazards presented by buildings which fall into disrepair due to neglect, storm or bomb damage.

Useful Links
Building Control Northern Ireland: www.buildingcontrol-ni.com

DOE Planning Service: Tel: 028 4461 8000, www.doeni.gov.uk

Lands and Property Services: www.lpsni.gov.uk