Where this sits in the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
The 6 metre excavation category sits within Section 6 (adjacent excavation), often relevant where excavation is deeper and the influence zone extends further.
The Party Wall process in practice (Notice → Response → Award)
- Notice: Serve a Section 6 notice at least 1 month before the intended start.
- Response: Consent/dissent/no response; lack of written consent can trigger dispute resolution.
- Award: Disputes are resolved under Section 10, resulting in an Award.
The 6 metre trigger catches people because it “feels far enough away”. Yet deeper excavations can matter at distance. The mistake is assuming that party wall only exists where you touch a shared wall.
Typical 6 metre projects
- basements and lowered floor levels;
- deep piled foundations;
- significant reduction in ground level close to the boundary;
- deeper engineered solutions where standard footings are not suitable.
How we keep 6m cases proportionate
The discipline is to avoid both extremes: ignoring a trigger, or over-complicating a simple job. We:
- confirm whether the Section 6 criteria are likely engaged;
- keep the explanation neighbour-friendly (no lectures);
- serve early and realistically;
- proceed under Section 10 when written consent isn’t forthcoming.
Helpful FAQs
Is “within 6 metres” automatically notifiable?
Not automatically—Section 6 depends on depth and relationship to nearby foundations.
What notice period applies?
Section 6 notices require at least 1 month lead time.
If the neighbour dissents, what happens next?
You move into Section 10 surveyor procedure and an Award route.
Get Cost Saving Pro Advice Now
If your project involves deeper excavation and you want clarity on whether Section 6 applies, contact Simple Survey. Notices start from £25 per adjoining ownership, with agreed surveyor administration typically £300, depending on complexity and owners.