Party Wall Matters

A party wall is a wall that is shared by the owners of the buildings on either side of it. Before carrying out any work to the wall the owner carrying out the work is obliged by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 to inform the other owner of his or her intention to carry out the work. This also applies where one owner is excavating below the level of the foundations of adjoining buildings. This link will give you access to the government’s explanatory booklet which gives a thorough explanation of the rules and procedures.

Government website link / party walls
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/partywall

The object of the Act is to allow one owner to carry out the work to the wall whilst protecting the rights of the neighbour. In doing this it requires the consent of the neighbour or the appointment of surveyors whose duty is to set down impartially the rights and obligations of each party in a document called an Award.

Such work carried out without compliance with the Act is unlawful. We have considerable experience in advising on all aspects of this legislation.