Dangerous structures

What to report to Building Control?

If you suspect a structure is dangerous, you need to tell us if any part of a building or other structure, which is still standing but is, because of its condition, potentially dangerous.

This could include walls which are:

severely cracked
leaning excessively
bowing
prone to movement when pushed which may cause injury to the general public

What to report to Highways?

A wall or other structure that has already collapsed is not a matter for Building Control unless there is a remaining section that falls within the description above.

A wall or structure that has fallen onto a road or footpath and requires clearing should be reported to the Highways team.

**Link to report a problem on the road or pavement**

How to report to Building Control?

a photo of the structure and/or danger
the address and/or location of the potential dangerous structure

Alternatively, call for advice during our office hours - 8am to 5pm.

Email: build.control@luton.gov.uk

Telephone: 01582 546607

If you consider the situation to be an emergency, call our out of hours number.

Out of hours telephone: 07796 185002

What happens once a dangerous structure is reported to Building Control

A registered building inspector (RBI) will:

review the information provided
determine if an inspection is required

The RBI will then assess whether the potential danger is either imminent or hazardous and take the necessary action, involving the necessary persons.

In some cases an application may be made to the Magistrates Court under s77 of the Building Act 1984.

See more information. including photpgraphic examples of dangerour structures, on the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) website.

Dangerous structures on LABC

Costs

Call out to a dangerous structure may be charged. Any external costs from contractors engaged to assist the Building Control team will be recharged at cost.

All costs are charged back to the building owner. Our call out charges fpr dangerous structures are as follows.

Hourly rate of £99 during standards hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 6.30pm
Hourly rate of £150 outside of standards hours:
- from 6.30pm to 7.30am Monday to Friday
- all day on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays
Any during out of hours call outs will also incur a £200 initial call out fee

Contact information

Our team of building control surveyors are professional, qualified, and experienced. Call or email us with your Building Control general enquiries and site inspection enquiries.