Homeowners sometimes lower garden or external ground levels to improve drainage, create better access or provide additional usable space.
Where substantial excavation takes place alongside a neighbouring property, Party Wall considerations may arise.
Is landscaping covered by the Party Wall Act?
Not automatically.
Ordinary gardening and shallow landscaping will not generally require Party Wall Notices.
The position becomes more significant where substantial excavation is proposed close to a neighbouring building or structure.
Section 6 excavation
Section 6 can apply where excavation is sufficiently close to an adjoining structure and extends below the level of its foundations.
The reason for the excavation does not have to be construction of a house or extension.
Our Section 6 Party Wall Notice guide explains the statutory tests.
Retaining neighbouring ground
Lowering your land may leave the neighbour’s ground at a higher level.
A retaining structure might then be required.
This should be properly designed by a structural engineer where necessary.
Boundary walls
An existing garden wall may rely partly on surrounding ground for support.
Excavating alongside it without understanding its construction can result in instability.
If it is a shared masonry boundary wall, our guide to Party Fence Walls may also be relevant.
Consider drainage
Changes in external levels can alter how rainwater moves around a site.
Drainage should therefore form part of the design rather than being considered only after the ground has been excavated.
Simple Survey can review the proposal
For significant level changes close to a neighbouring property, send Simple Survey your drawings and sections.
Visit our Party Wall service page before excavation begins.