West Lothian Council delivers

Building Standards - demolitions, defective and dangerous structures

It is the responsibility of all property owners to look after their property and maintain it in a good state of repair.  If you fail to do so we as Local Authority have power to take action to remedy the situation.

We do urge you to undertake regular "health checks" of your property for your own benefit as well as in the interests of public safety.  It makes financial, as well as common sense, to ensure that any defects are attended to as quickly as possible.  Often by putting off routine repairs, a building can deteriorate resulting in unexpected and high repair costs, which could easily be avoided.

If you fail to maintain your property and allow it to fall into such a state of disrepair that it becomes either dangerous or has a defect that puts public safety at risk, then we have powers to ensure that the building occupants, members of the public and anyone in adjoining buildings are not put at any risk.

Normally this will be achieved by the provision of barriers around the danger, although depending on the severity of the situation, it can also include repairing or demolishing the building or part thereof.  How quickly the work needs to be done depends on the severity of the danger or the defect, after an assessment of risk.

Ultimately if we need to become involved in terms of providing protective or repair works you as owner will be liable for all costs incurred by us.

We will undertake the minimum work required to safeguard the public which is generally in the form of securing the building.  Thereafter it is the responsibility of the building owner to carry out any work.  If the owner(s) fail to meet their responsibilities, then ultimately the we can arrange for the repair work to be undertaken.  Again all costs incurred by the Council, including administrative costs, will be recharged to the owner(s). 

If you are concerned regarding the condition of a building, it should be reported to us for appropriate action. We can be contacted 24hours a day: during office hours on 01506 775222 and outwith these times on 01506 775000.