266Possession of building

### 266 Possession of building > > (1)  If any occupier of a building or temporary structure fails to allow any person to do work under [section 265](#GS265@EN) , a council may take proceedings under the [Justices Act 1959](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1959-077) to obtain possession of the building or temporary structure. > > > (2)  On the hearing of a complaint, a justice may order the occupier to give the council possession of the building or temporary structure within a prescribed period. > > > (3)  If a person fails to comply with an order under [subsection (2)](#GS266@Gs2@EN) , a justice who made the order may issue a warrant authorising police officers to – > > > > > > (a) enter into the building or temporary structure by force if necessary and with any assistance they consider necessary; and > > > > > > > (b) eject any person from the building or temporary structure; and > > > > > > > (c) deliver possession of the building or temporary structure to the relevant council. > > > (4)  A council may remain in possession of a building or temporary structure pursuant to a warrant until the work is completed.