A Quick and Easy Introduction to The Party Wall Etc Act 1996

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. It is vital these issues are handled 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 undertaking the work the Act provides for rights not afforded by common law, such as for example access onto the neighbours land to handle some or all the proposed works, or provide temporary works (e.g. scaffolding) during the course of the works.

It is important to understand the Act whether it is you or your neighbour who proposes to carry out work on shared or close by structures. The Act covers work 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 all work which might have an impact upon the structural strength or support function of a celebration wall or may cause damage to the neighbouring side of the wall must be notified.

Some of work covered by the Act is the following:

Demolishing and/or rebuilding a celebration 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 in fact the excavation will go below underneath of the foundations of the neighbouring building.
https://thehearup.com/things-to-consider-before-installing-skylights-in-your-home/34988/  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 included in the Act includes putting up shelves and wall units, replastering and electrical rewiring.

If your planned focus on a preexisting structure falls beneath the Act, you must then issue a notice to all affected neighbouring parties. The neighbouring parties must then decide if they desire to dispute the notice or not.

Much like all work affecting neighbours, it is always better to reach a friendly agreement. Even where in fact the work takes a notice to be served, it is better to informally discuss the intended work, consider the neighbours comments, and if practical amend your plans accordingly.