Party Wall Act
On 1st July 1997, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 was enacted to statute. Since then, compliance with this legislation is mandatory. Its principles, to reduce neighbourly 'wars' being heard by the Court, by providing a mechanism to ensure that if you wish to carry out certain types of work, you can, subject to notifying your neighbour and carrying out work in a controlled manner, to protect the interests of the wall / building structures.
Party Wall Surveyors
From notice, without consent, Party Wall Surveyors are appointed. Their duty is to administer the Act. This involves preparation of legally binding documents (Awards) and protecting documents (Schedules of Condition). The party wall work does not only involve ‘shared’ walls. Compliance can involve notice to replace a boundary fence with a wall, to build within 3 and even 6 metres of a shared or neighbour's structure.
How Can We Help?
Not all building work referenced in an Award situation is party wall work. Surveyors do not determine boundaries, rights of light issues and sometimes access rights. Sometimes scaffolding and always cranes are outside the Act issues. Such issues often require separate licences (Michael Knight can help).
For more advice on Neighbourly Matters please call us on
0117 944 4444
