Most people find the thought of dealing with party wall issues a daunting prospect. The Party Wall Etc Act has many connotations, so it's no surprise a large number of people have problems with it.
Things can become a lot more convoluted in major cities like London, which have many period properties and buildings near each other. Right of Light Consultants Keston is essential these issues are dealt with properly.
Explaining the Party Wall etc Act 1996
The Act provides rights and responsibilities whichever side of the 'wall' you're on. For the party carrying out the task the Act provides for rights not afforded by common law, such as for example access onto the neighbours land to carry out some or all of the proposed works, or provide temporary works (e.g. scaffolding) during the works.
It is very important understand the Act whether it is you or your neighbour who proposes to handle focus on shared or close by structures. The Act covers focus on structures such as shared walls, floors/ceilings of flats, garden walls, and excavations near a neighbouring property.
The general principle of the Act is that work which might have an impact upon the structural strength or support function of a celebration wall or might cause harm to the neighbouring side of the wall should be notified.
Some of work covered by the Act is the following:
Demolishing and/or rebuilding a party wall.
Increasing the height or thickness of a PW
Cutting into the PW to take load bearing beams.
Underpinning a PW.
Excavations within 3 metres of a neighbouring building where the excavation will go below the bottom of the foundations of the neighbouring building.
Excavations within 6 metres of a neighbouring building where in fact the excavation will go below a line drawn 45� downwards from the bottom of the foundations of the neighbouring building.
Work which is not covered by the Act includes adding shelves and wall units, replastering and electrical rewiring.
If your planned focus on a preexisting structure falls under the Act, you need to then issue a notice to all or any affected neighbouring parties. The neighbouring parties must then decide whether they wish to dispute the notice or not.
Much like all work affecting neighbours, it is usually better to reach an agreeable agreement. Even where in fact the work takes a notice to be served, it is best to informally discuss the intended work, consider the neighbours comments, and if practical amend your plans accordingly.