We hear this constantly: “We’ve got planning—so we’re fine, right?”
Not necessarily. Planning permission, building control, and party wall are related in the sense that they all affect building work—but they are not interchangeable. At Simple Survey, we help homeowners avoid a common trap: assuming one approval covers everything.
Planning permission doesn’t replace party wall
Planning deals with whether the development is acceptable in planning terms. Party wall deals with how certain works affect adjoining owners and what procedure must be followed.
You can have planning approval and still need party wall notices. Equally, you might not need planning and still trigger party wall—especially with structural or excavation works near neighbours.
Building control doesn’t replace party wall either
Building control focuses on compliance with building regulations: structure, fire, insulation, drainage, and so on. Party wall focuses on neighbour rights and procedures.
Passing building control isn’t the same as having completed party wall correctly. They sit alongside each other.
Why this matters: it’s a timeline issue
The real risk isn’t legal theory—it’s programme risk.
Homeowners often:
- wait for planning, then start party wall
- wait for building control, then start party wall
- book builders, then discover party wall notice periods
That sequencing creates avoidable delay. Party wall should usually start as soon as the design is clear enough to describe the works properly—because it has its own clock.
The Simple Survey sequencing rule
If you have drawings that show:
- the works to shared walls/boundary
- the foundation depth and position
- the areas close to neighbours
…then you’re typically in a position to start party wall planning. You don’t need to wait until every other part of the project is “perfect.” You need enough clarity to serve correct notices.
The pay-off of doing this early
When party wall is started early:
- your builder start date becomes more reliable
- neighbours feel respected rather than surprised
- you reduce the chance of rushed mistakes
- costs stay controlled because the process stays calm
This is one of the most effective ways to protect a project from slipping.
Get Cost Saving Pro Advice Now
If you’re unsure how party wall fits alongside planning and building control—and you want the cleanest possible timeline—get in touch with Simple Survey. We’ll help you sequence it properly, with notices from £25 per adjoining ownership and agreed surveyor administration typically £300, depending on complexity and owners.