This month, RSUA called on the NI Executive to require councils to identify and promote funding streams that could support remedial works mandated by new building notices introduced under draft legislation aimed at addressing dilapidation.
This suggestion was made as part of our response to the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ recent public consultation on the Dilapidation Bill, which is currently progressing through the Assembly.
RSUA’s response
More broadly, all our comments on the Bill were informed by dialogue with members of the RSUA Conservation Committee. Special thanks are due to committee members Susan Rafferty and Colin Shaw, both of whom provided valuable input.
Among the other comments made by RSUA were the following:
Clarifying the Bill’s definition and scope
- Key terms defining levels of dilapidation – “detriment to local amenity”, “serious detriment to local amenity”, “dangerous structure” and “prejudicial to health or a nuisance” – are not explained in the Bill. RSUA recommends including explanations to clarify distinctions between notice types and remedial requirements.
- References to “necessary” remedial action lack detail. RSUA suggests outlining typical categories of work for each notice.
Mitigating judicial delays
- RSUA supports the courts’ proposed role in managing appeals, compliance orders, costs and disputes, but recommends measures to limit repeated legal challenges that could delay remedial works, including consideration of a shorter 28-day appeal period for notices.
Enhancing government coordination
- RSUA recommends the Department for Communities expand the Heritage at Risk Register to include all derelict and dilapidated buildings, providing councils with a full record to ensure consistent and appropriate notice issuance.
- We propose introducing City and Council Architects in Northern Ireland to coordinate planning, heritage, regeneration and climate policies, helping to revitalise buildings, attract investment and support job creation.
Strengthening fixed penalties
- RSUA suggests increasing the discretionary £500 fixed penalty to encourage prompt recovery by councils and incentivise building owners to complete remedial works quickly and to a high standard.
Our full consultation response can be viewed here.
If you have any questions or comments about our response to the Dilapidation Bill, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk
