Party Wall Surveyor in Birmingham and the Midlands

What is a party wall?

Party wall works are controlled under The Party Wall etc Act 1996. The act provides a framework for the resolution of disputes and enables works to be carried out in a manner that protects both building owner and adjoining owner.

Party Wall

What does The Party Wall etc Act 1996 aim to accomplish?

It provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings. It is based on some tried and tested provisions of the London Building Acts, which applied in inner London for many decades before the Act came into force.

The act has three sections (1, 2 & 6) which describe the works and the procedures to be followed.

Section 1: Line of junction notice

Section 2: Party structure notice

A line of junction notice is for works under section 1 of the act and applies to construction on the boundary line. The works require 1 month notice from the time of consent to the start of the works.

A party structure notice is for works under section 2 of the act. This section applies to the a shared wall between two properties and requires 2 months notice from the time of consent to the start of the works.

Section 6: 3 metre notice

Section 6: 6 metre notice

Section 6 of the act covers adjacent excavation where the building owner excavates within 3 metres of a neighbouring structure and lower than the foundations of this structure.

Section 6 of the act covers adjacent excavation where the building owner excavates within 6 metres of a neighbouring structure and lower than the foundations of this structure when striking a 45 degree angle.