(1) Instead of serving a notice in terms of section54, the local authority may, in the circumstances set out in that section, by written notice-

a) order the builder to carry out a full scale load-test of the building work specified in the notice; and

b) specify the time within such test shall be carried out.

(2) Where a builder has received a notice in terms of section54, he may, not later than forty-eight hours before the expiry of the time specified in the notice, apply to the local authority for permission to carry out a full-scale load-test of the work concerned, instead of cutting into, laying open or demolishing the work.

(3) An application in terms of subsection(2) shall suspend the effect of the notice served in terms of section 54 until the application has been determined by the local authority.

(4) If the local authority is satisfied that a full-scale load test will render it unnecessary to cut into, lay open or demolish the work referred to on the notice served in terms of section 54, it shall-

a) grant to the builder written permission to carry out such test; and

b) specify the work in respect of which such test may be carried out; and

c) specify the period within which such test shall be carried out;

whereupon the notice served in terms of section 54 shall, to that extent, be deemed to have been withdrawn.

(5) If any person to whom permission has been given in terms of subsection(4) fails to carry out the load-test within the period specified by the local, the permission carry out such test shall lapse, and the builder shall comply with the notice served in terms of section 54 within such further period as may be specified by the local authority.

(6) Any load-test carried out in terms of this section shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements for such tests prescribed in the standard relevant to the type of work and specified in Chapter 3

(7) Where any work on a building is to be tested in terms of this section, no person shall carry out further work on such building if such further work is to be supported by the work which is to be tested.

(8) Where any work fails to pass a load test, the builder shall forthwith demolish such work.

(9) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection(8), the local authority may permit the builder to do such other things in relation to such work as it may specify, and the builder shall complete the doing of such other things within any period specified by the local authority.

(10) If the builder fails to avail himself or permission given in terms of subsection(9) within the period specified by the local authority, the permission shall lapse.