A Party Wall Notice is a formal document served under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 when planned works could affect a party wall, party fence wall (masonry boundary wall), or other party structures (including floors/ceilings between flats). The Act applies in England and Wales and sets a legal process to inform neighbours, gather responses, and manage any disputes before work starts.
Why serve a Party Wall Notice?
- To inform affected neighbours (the Adjoining Owners) about notifiable works.
- To seek consent or, if there’s a dissent/no reply, to follow the Act’s dispute resolution route via surveyor(s).
- To ensure works proceed safely, lawfully, and with proportionate protections for both properties.
When is a notice required?
Typical triggers include:
- Section 2 – Works to a party structure (e.g., cutting in for steel beams, chimney breast removal, raising/underpinning, inserting flashings).
- Section 1 – Building a new wall at or astride the boundary (line of junction).
- Section 6 – Excavation for new foundations within 3 m (and deeper than your neighbour’s footing) or within 6 m where the 45° rule is met (e.g., piling).
Minimum lead-in periods (from receipt of notice)
- Section 2 (party structure works): 2 months
- Section 1 (new wall at/astride boundary): 1 month
- Section 6 (adjacent excavation): 1 month
Works cannot start until the lead-in runs and either the Adjoining Owner consents or a Party Wall Award is in place.
What a valid notice should include
- Owner & property details: Names and correspondence addresses for both owners; addresses of the properties.
- Clear description of notifiable works: Precisely what under the Act you intend to do.
- Intended start date: Compliant with the relevant lead-in period.
- Drawings: Especially for Section 6—plan/section with proposed foundation depths; note any underpinning or special foundations.
How neighbours can respond (within 14 days)
- Consent (in writing).
- Dissent – Triggers appointment of one Agreed Surveyor or two separate surveyors to produce a binding Party Wall Award.
- No reply – Counts as deemed dissent; after a further 10-day request, the Building Owner may appoint a surveyor on the neighbour’s behalf (not the same person as their own).
What happens if they dissent?
Surveyor(s) issue a Party Wall Award setting out what may be done, how/when (time & manner), access protocols, protections, and damage procedures (make-good or compensation). Either owner has 14 days from service to appeal.
Make notice service simple—and watertight
Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk. Simple Survey are the lowest-cost party wall surveyors across England & Wales. We’ll identify what’s notifiable, draft and serve compliant notices, include neighbour-friendly cover letters, and—if needed—produce a clear, proportionate Award so your project runs smoothly.