Redesigned your extension, scaled back the scope, or decided not to proceed? If your revised proposal no longer includes notifiable works under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you shouldn’t leave an old notice “floating” in the background. The right move is to rescind (withdraw) the Party Wall Notice cleanly and in writing.
This short guide explains when rescission makes sense, how to do it properly, and what it means for you and your neighbour.
When should a Party Wall Notice be rescinded?
Rescind your notice if:
- You’re not doing the works anymore, or
- Your redesign removes all notifiable elements (e.g., you’re no longer cutting into a party wall, building on/astride the boundary, or excavating within the 3m/6m thresholds).
If any part of the revised scheme remains notifiable, don’t rescind—serve updated notices for the parts that still fall under the Act.
Why it matters
- Clarity and certainty
A live notice implies the statutory process is “in motion.” If the work is no longer covered by the Act, withdrawing the notice closes the loop and avoids unnecessary appointments and fees. - Prevents new appointments
Once rescinded, there is no active Party Wall matter, so an Adjoining Owner cannot validly appoint a party wall surveyor under the Act in relation to the withdrawn notice. - Keeps everyone informed
A short, formal letter confirms that no party wall procedures are required for the revised scheme, reducing worry, queries, and friction.
Note: If the Adjoining Owner (or their surveyor) has already been appointed in reliance on your earlier valid notice, you should expect to cover reasonable abortive fees incurred up to the point of rescission. Withdrawing early minimises that risk.
How to rescind correctly
- Write a short withdrawal letter/email
Reference the original notice (date, section(s), property addresses) and state clearly:- the works will not proceed, or
- the scheme has been revised and is no longer notifiable, and therefore the notice is withdrawn.
- Serve it properly
Use one of the Act’s recognised methods (post, by hand, affixing to the premises, or email where the neighbour has agreed to electronic service). Keep proof of service. - File your paper trail
Save a copy with proof of posting/delivery. If you later sell or revive the project, this record will help conveyancing and future administration.
FAQs
Do I need planning permission first to rescind?
No. Planning and the Party Wall Act are separate regimes. You can withdraw a Party Wall Notice at any time.
If I revive the project in future, can I rely on the old notice?
No. Notices expire after 12 months and must reflect the exact works proposed. If you restart with notifiable elements, you’ll need to serve fresh notices.
My neighbour insists on an Award even though I’ve withdrawn—do we need one?
No Award is required once the notice is rescinded and no notifiable works are being pursued. If someone was already appointed, settle reasonable abortive fees and close the file.
Prefer a quick sense-check before you rescind?
Email your drawings to team@simplesurvey.co.uk and we’ll confirm—at a glance—whether your revised works are or aren’t notifiable. If they’re not, we’ll draft a clean withdrawal for you. If they are, we’ll tell you exactly which sections apply and quote a fixed fee to keep you moving.
Simple, transparent pricing
- Party Wall Notice service: £25 per adjoining ownership (multi-notice bundles discounted)
- Act administration as Agreed Surveyor (single surveyor): typically £300 fixed-fee (depends on complexity and number of notices/owners)
- Two-surveyor route (we act for the Building Owner): fixed-fee proposals from £325 for our side (we work to keep your neighbour’s surveyor’s hourly fees reasonable and contained)
Ready to tidy things up?
If your works are no longer notifiable, rescind the notice and close the matter with a clear, valid withdrawal. We’ll draft and serve it correctly, keep your records tidy, and protect you from avoidable cost.
Email: team@simplesurvey.co.uk
Fast, clear, and compliant—that’s Simple Survey.