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Party Walls – Preventing & Resolving Disputes

Important information on carrying out building work under the Party Wall etc Act 1996

Framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings is provided in the Party Wall etc Act 1996. Adjoining owners MUST be given notice of intentions to begin work by the building owner. The Act provides a mechanism for resolving disputes should a neighbour refuse or disagree with work.

This Act is not a part of any Acts referring to building regulations and obtaining planning permissions.

What is a party wall?3 Main types of Party Wall

  1. A wall that stands on the land of 2 or more owners and forms part of the building
  2. A wall that stands on the land of 2 or more owners and DOES NOT form part of the building
  3. A wall that is on one owner’s land but is used by 2 or more owners to separate their buildings

Party Wall

A good source of information is the Government booklet which provides a more detailed guidance on the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. The guidance explains how the Act may affect a building owner who wishes to carry out work covered by the Act or an adjoining building owner who receives notification under the Act of proposed work.

Party Wall Act 1996 Explained – PDF