What is a dangerous structure?
The term 'dangerous structure' covers buildings and parts of buildings, such as loose slates or tiles, as well as garden walls, fences, and hoardings adjacent to a public highway.
Dangerous structures fall mainly into 2 categories:
- Imminently: Structures that are at risk of collapse next to the public highway and must be secured for public safety. The owner will normally be charged for emergency works carried out in these cases.
- Hazardous: Structures that (following a survey) are deemed unstable but not imminently dangerous. In these cases, the owner is given time to remove the danger. Failure to do so may result in a Magistrates Court Order being obtained.
Please note: Defective garden walls and fences between properties (not adjacent to the public highway) are considered a civil matter and should be resolved between neighbours.