The Party Wall Act (1996) gives rights and responsibilities to neighbours where work is being undertaken to walls common to both properties.

The Party Wall Act does not affect any requirement for Planning Permission or Building Regulation Approval for any work undertaken. Likewise, having Planning Permission and/or Building Regulation Approval does not negate the requirements under the Party Wall Act.

The Party Wall Act comes into effect if someone is planning to do work on a relevant structure, for the purposes of the Act 'party wall' does not just mean the wall between two semi-detached properties, it covers:

• A wall forming part of only one building but which is on the boundary line between two (or more) properties.
• A wall which is common to two (or more) properties, this includes where someone built a wall and a neighbour has subsequently built something butting up to it.

• A garden wall, where the wall is astride the boundary line (or butts up against it) and is used to separate the properties but is not part of any building.
• Floors and ceilings of flats etc.
• Excavation near to a neighbouring property.

As with all work affecting neighbours, it is always better to reach a friendly agreement rather than resort to law.

Datson Consulting Ltd can be the conduit so that even where the work requires a notice
to be served, they can informally discuss the intended work, consider the neighbours comments, and amend the plans (if appropriate) before serving the notice.

We can also act as an advisor in the event you have been served a notice and wish for unbiased advice on the matter.