Why have a policy?
There are two main reasons why this policy is needed. Firstly, the Building Act 2004 required Franklin District Council to adopt a policy by 31 May 2006, that’s a good reason. Secondly, it really comes down to you, our residents, and our desire to make sure that you can use a building safely and without endangering your health.
So, what is a dangerous or insanitary building then?
Let’s start with what we mean by ‘dangerous building’. A dangerous building, for the purposes of this policy and the Building Act 2004, is one that is likely to cause injury or death to people, or damage to other property. Examples of this would be a building that might collapse or have asbestos. The mere possibility that something could happen doesn’t make a building dangerous (after all, it is possible for any building to collapse given extreme circumstances), but if it can be reasonably seen that there will be dangerous consequences, then it could be considered a ‘dangerous building’.
‘Insanitary building’ means a building that is likely to be harmful to health because of how it is situated or constructed; because it is in a state of disrepair; has insufficient protection against moisture penetration; doesn’t have a water supply; or doesn’t have adequate sanitary facilities (i.e. toilets).
Who does the policy affect?
Don’t worry; we aren’t suggesting randomly raiding homes in the district looking for one that is dangerous or insanitary. Instead, the policy states that we investigate all buildings that are brought to our attention through a complaint, or an application for alteration. Each case is assessed on its own merits.