Party Walls

Where planning building works that affect a party wall, party fence wall or involve nearby excavations and foundations, your project may be governed by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.  

At Spencer Lion Ltd we bring over 30 years’ experience in managing party wall process for both building owners and adjoining owners on residential and commercial projects. Following the correct process is essential to protect your legal rights and avoid delays and disputes.  

Understanding the Party Wall Process

Here is a simplified overview of how the process works:-

Notification

The building owner wishes must serve a formal notice to affected neighbours before starting any notifiable work. The notice must include certain criteria and is typically prepared and issued by a party wall surveyor

Response to notice

Upon receiving the notice, the adjoining owner has three options:

Consent – This allows the works to proceed without the need for an award.

Dissent and Appoint an Agreed Surveyor – One surveyor is appointed to act impartially for both parties.

Dissent and Appoint Separate surveyors – each party appoints their own surveyor to represent their interests. The fees for both surveyors is usually paid for by the building owner.

Schedule of Condition

A record of the current condition of the adjoining property is created, typically through photographs and a report. This document forms a key part of the final award and helps protect both parties in case of damage claims.

Agreement and publication of the award

Design information will be reviewed and agreed between the surveyors or agreed surveyor together with a set of clauses setting out the timing and manner of the proposed works. The design information, set of clauses and the schedule of condition are formalised in a legally binding document know as a party wall award which is issued to both owners.