http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1984/55/section/79Building Act 1984 An Act to consolidate certain enactments concerning building and buildings and related matters.1984-10-31texttext/xmlenStatute Law Database2026-03-06Expert Participation2026-01-27 Part III Other Provisions about Buildings Defective premises, demolition <Abbreviation Expansion="et cetera" xml:lang="la">etc.</Abbreviation> Ruinous and dilapidated buildings and neglected sites.791If it appears to a local authority that a building or structure is by reason of its ruinous or dilapidated condition seriously detrimental to the amenities of the neighbourhood, the local authority may by notice require the owner thereof—ato execute such works of repair or restoration, orbif he so elects, to take such steps for demolishing the building or structure, or any part thereof, and removing any rubbish or other material resulting from or exposed by the demolition,as may be necessary in the interests of amenity.2If it appears to a local authority that—arubbish or other material resulting from, or exposed by, the demolition or collapse of a building or structure is lying on the site or on any adjoining land, andbby reason thereof the site or land is in such a condition as to be seriously detrimental to the amenities of the neighbourhood,the local authority may by notice require the owner of the site or land to take such steps for removing the rubbish or material as may be necessary in the interests of amenity.3Sections 99 and 102 below apply in relation to a notice given under subsection (1) or (2) above, subject to the following modifications—asection 99(1) requires the notice to indicate the nature of the works of repair or restoration and that of the works of demolition and removal of rubbish or material, andbsection 99(2) authorises the local authority to execute, subject to that subsection, at their election either the works of repair or restoration or the works of demolition and removal of rubbish or material.4This section does not apply to an advertisement as defined in section 336(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.5This section has effect subject to section 79A and to the provisions of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 relating to listed buildings, buildings subject to building preservation notices and buildings in conservation areas.S. 79 applied (with modifications) (7.8.1991) by S.I. 1991/1773, art. 8(2)(3), Sch. 2; s. 79 applied (with modifications) (10.1.1992) by S.I. 1991/2913, art. 8(2)(3), Sch. 2; and s. 79 excluded (20.9.2000) by London Local Authorities Act 2000 (c. vii), ss. 1(1), 45(4)S. 79: certain functions transferred (7.8.1991) by S.I. 1991/1773, art. 8(1)(3), Sch. 2; and certain functions transferred (10.1.1992) by S.I. 1991/2913, art. 8(1)(3), Sch. 2Words substituted by Planning (Consequential Provisions) Act 1990 (c. 11, SIF 123:1, 2), s. 4, Sch. 2 para. 67(4)(a)S. 79(5) inserted by Housing and Planning Act 1986 (c. 63, SIF 15), s. 40, Sch. 9 para. 6(2)Words substituted by Planning (Consequential Provisions) Act 1990 (c. 11, SIF 123:1, 2), s. 4, Sch. 2 para. 67(4)(b)Words in s. 79(5) inserted (4.11.2024) by Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 3), s. 212(2), Sch. 13 para. 64 (with Sch. 14 paras. 1-3); S.I. 2024/860, art. 3(d)