Gosport Borough Council have statutory duties 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 and weather-proof
What is a Dangerous Structure?
Dangerous Structure covers not only buildings or parts of buildings i.e. loose slates or tiles, but such things as garden walls, fences or hoardings. In fact, any structure which could by its condition endanger persons.
What do I do if I consider a Structure to be Dangerous?
Report the matter directly to Gosport Building Control Services at the Town Hall, either in person or by telephone, (Gosport (023) 9254 5431). Outside of normal working hours you should ring the Council's emergency number, (Gosport (023) 9258 1163).
The Council have statutory duties to deal with dangerous structures under Sections 77 and 78 of The Building Act 1984.
What will the Building Control Surveyor do?
The Building Control Surveyor will immediately visit the site to inspect the structure and to arrange for appropriate action to be taken to remove any danger.
If the structure is considered potentially dangerous, the owner of the property will be located and requested to arrange for the structure to be removed or repaired. 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. The builders costs are recoverable from the owner of the property.
REMEMBER IF IN DOUBT RING US!
If you consider that a structure of any type or size may be dangerous, ring Gosport Building Control Services now! We are always happy to inspect and advise at any time. You may be saving someone from injury.
Before a building or part of a building is demolished, the owner or the demolition contractor must serve a notice on this Council informing them of their intentions. Demolition may not commence until the Council has given permission or a period of six weeks has elapsed.
Does this apply to all Buildings
The following are exempt from the need to serve a demolition notice:
- The demolition of an internal part of a building if the building continues to be occupied.
- A building that has an external cubic content of not more than 1750 cubic feet.
- A domestic greenhouse, conservatory, shed or pre-fabricated garage.
Note: Listed Building consent will also be required if the building is in a conservation area or listed as being of architectural or historic interest.
Who else is notified?
The owner or demolition contractor must provide the following with a copy of the notice which he serves on the Council:
- The occupier of any adjacent buildings
- Transco (Gas)
- Southern Electric
What will the Council do?
The Building Control Surveyors will always visit the site concerned. They will also ensure that the appropriate copies of notice have been given to those mentioned above.
The Highways section of the Council are consulted to ensure that safe access is possible to the site, and if necessary Hampshire Fire Brigade and the Health and Safety Executive are also consulted.
When giving approval for the demolition to take place the Council will require the owner/contractor to adhere to certain conditions, including:
- Adequate shoreing, repair and weather proofing of adjacent buildings.
- Removal of material or rubbish and disconnection, removal or sealing of drainage.
- The disconnection of Gas, Electricity and Water supplies.
- The burning of materials on site in a controlled manner.
The demolition procedures are administered by Gosport Building Control Services. If you would like further details, or wish to obtain the appropriate forms, please contact:
Gosport Building Control Services
Town Hall
High Street
Gosport
PO12 1EB
Telephone: (023) 9254 5431
Fax: (023) 9254 5588
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