Derelict Buildings

With all the regeneration taking place in Birmingham, it is not surprising that there are many buildings that are dilapidated or derelict as they wait for demolition or refurbishment.

There are many reasons why buildings remain empty and gradually fall into a poor state of repair. Owners often buy a building for an intended project but fail to obtain the necessary planning permission. In other cases, buildings are boarded up until a buyer can be found, or are demolished quickly to avoid paying commercial rates.

Large industrial units, commercial wastelands, and derelict buildings of all shapes and sizes can attract drug users, fly-tippers, and bored gangs of youths. These properties are sometimes set on fire “just for a laugh”.

There are serious health and safety concerns associated with unoccupied buildings, often relating to unstable structures or unsafe internal fittings. Additional risks include rat infestation and, where drug use has occurred, discarded needles and drug paraphernalia.

Any unused building should be secured and boarded up or fenced off appropriately. However, this is not always enough to prevent access, and there is only so much owners can do to restrict entry to empty premises.

Empty buildings are often targeted by urban explorers, some of whom take care to gain legal access without causing damage, while others have no issue with forced entry.

If you have concerns about a building near you, it is advisable to gather as much detailed information as possible before reporting it.