If you’re planning work to a party wall, boundary wall, or neighbouring structure, or you’ve received a Party Wall Notice and aren’t sure how to respond, our experienced surveyors can guide you every step of the way.
We specialise in managing projects covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Our role is to make sure your project complies with the law, disputes are handled fairly, and work progresses with minimum disruption.
Understanding the Party Wall Act
The Party Wall Act was introduced to prevent and resolve disputes between neighbours when building work affects shared walls or nearby foundations.
It applies when you:
- Build on or near the boundary line
- Cut into or alter a shared (party) wall
- Excavate close to a neighbouring building
- Increase, reduce, or rebuild a boundary wall
By law, adjoining owners must be given notice before such works start. Failing to serve notice can leave you without the legal right to continue, and your neighbour could even apply for an injunction to stop the work.
Serving notice isn’t just a legal obligation—it also gives you certain rights, such as lawful access to your neighbour’s land when needed. In some cases, neighbours may also be required to contribute towards the cost of repairs to shared structures.
The Party Wall Process
Stage 1 – Giving Notice
- Two months’ notice for work on an existing party wall
- One month’s notice for excavation or new boundary walls
Stage 2 – Neighbour’s Response
Your neighbour can:
- Consent to the works
- Dissent and agree to appoint one surveyor for both parties
- Dissent and appoint their own surveyor
Stage 3 – Party Wall Award
If there is dissent, a legal document called a Party Wall Award will be prepared. This sets out how and when the works will be carried out, working hours, protections for both properties.
Both parties have 14 days to appeal an Award in County Court, but once agreed, it is legally binding.
Party Wall Advice for Developers
Property developers in Bristol and the surrounding areas must also comply with the Act when:
- Extending or repurposing existing buildings
- Constructing new developments within 3 metres (sometimes 6 metres) of a neighbour’s property
We work closely with developers to review plans, identify where the Act applies, and manage the entire notice and Award process. Many developers now instruct us at the design stage to avoid costly delays later.
Why Compliance Matters
Most professional builders and larger contractors understand the importance of following the Party Wall Act. However, smaller projects carried out under permitted development often skip this step—sometimes through misunderstanding, sometimes through oversight.
This can put both parties at risk. If works start without notice:
- You can request the neighbour stop work and serve proper notice
- If ignored, you may apply for an injunction, delaying works by months and increasing costs
- Any damage caused can result in serious financial liability
Getting a professional surveyor involved early removes risk and ensures a smooth process.
Simple Survey Leading the Way…
We provide expert advice and practical support for:
- Homeowners planning works
- Neighbours who have received Party Wall Notices
- Developers undertaking larger projects
Our services include:
- Drafting and serving Notices
- Reviewing Notices received and advising neighbours
- Agreeing and administering Party Wall Awards
- Acting as expert witnesses in disputes
Need Advice?
Whether you’re planning building work or responding to a Party Wall Notice, get in touch now.