A swimming pool can involve a surprisingly substantial excavation.
Even though the work is taking place in the garden rather than to the house itself, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may still become relevant where the excavation is close to a neighbouring building.
The excavation is the key issue
The Party Wall Act includes provisions dealing with certain excavations near neighbouring buildings or structures.
Whether these apply will depend on:
- how close the excavation is to the neighbouring structure;
- how deep you are digging;
- the depth of the neighbour’s foundations; and
- the geometry of the excavation.
Our Party Wall Excavation Explainer provides more detail on how the three-metre and six-metre provisions operate.
What neighbouring structures count?
Do not consider only the neighbour’s main house.
Depending on the circumstances, nearby structures such as extensions or substantial garages may also be relevant.
The plans should therefore show the excavation in relation to surrounding buildings.
Garden level changes
The same principles may potentially become relevant to:
- sunken terraces;
- large retaining structures;
- major landscaping;
- basement lightwells; or
- deep plant rooms.
A normal shallow garden excavation is very different from digging several metres down close to a neighbouring structure.
Engineers should consider stability
Deep excavations require proper engineering regardless of the Party Wall position.
Temporary support, retaining structures, groundwater and ground conditions may all need to be assessed.
If the design includes reinforcement extending towards the boundary, our guide to Special Foundations may also be relevant.
Give neighbours clear information
Accurate plans and sections make it much easier to understand a substantial excavation.
See What Drawings Are Needed with a Party Wall Notice? for further guidance.
Simple Survey can advise
Visit our Party Wall service page if you are planning a swimming pool or substantial garden excavation close to a neighbouring building.