Open and Derelict properties

The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 empowers Local Authorities to deal with privately owned derelict buildings which have become insecure and open to public access. The Environmental Health Protection Team has responsibility for ensuring that reported derelict and insecure buildings are dealt with so that no threat is posed to people in the vicinity.

Once a report is received, an experienced Building Control Surveyor will visit the site as soon as possible to assess the condition of the building and whether or not action needs to be taken. If in the opinion of the Building Control Surveyor the structure is considered to be dangerous, then they will deal with it under Section 77 and 78 of the Building Act 1984 - see Dangerous Structures.