Cheshire Party Wall Surveyors
If you are planning works that involve a party wall, a party structure, or a boundary wall on a property in or around Cheshire our experienced surveyors can help.
Similarly, if you have received a party wall notice from a neighbour and are not sure how to respond, we can advise you.
With a team of expert party wall surveyors, and offices in Manchester, we are well placed to assist clients in Cheshire with projects that fall under the Party Wall Act.
With expertise in managing party wall issues, we can provide prompt, professional advice and support to ensure all work complies with the Act. We are also skilled at resolving disputes to minimise potential delays and disruptions.
For expert advice and support regarding the Party Wall Act:
Call 0161 669 2267, email or complete our enquiry form.
Party Wall Act
The Party Wall Act requires property owners to serve notice to their neighbours before commencing any work that might affect a shared or adjoining structure.
Permission must also be requested should a project require access to a neighbour’s property to carry out the works.
You can download the Government’s explanatory booklet for further information.
Download booklet
While serving notice may seem unnecessary, it is a legal requirement that provides essential protection to both parties. Failure to serve notice can lead to significant delays as the works may be stopped until compliance is achieved.
The Act aims to balance the rights of property owners with those of their neighbours, ensuring construction projects can proceed without causing unnecessary inconvenience or damage to the neighbour and their property. Should a dispute arise, having formal agreements in place can help resolve issues quickly and allow work to be completed with minimal disruption.
If you have questions relating to work that falls under the Party Wall Act contact one of our party wall surveyors for expert advice.
Party wall disputes v. Boundary disputes
Party wall issues can be confused with boundary disputes but the two are very different, requiring different expertise.
Find out more about party wall disputes:
Read more
Boundary disputes occur when there is a disagreement over the position of a boundary and ownership of land. So, for example if a neighbour’s fence or structure encroaches onto your land, this would constitute a boundary dispute.
Easton Bevins is experienced in dealing with boundary disputes and can provide professional advice, as well as expert witness services if required.
Find out more about boundary disputes:
Read More
Party Wall Act - The Process
Stage 1
If you are planning work on an existing party wall you need to give two months’ notice. If you are planning on excavating or building a new wall at the line of junction you need to give one month’s notice.
If you do not give notice your neighbour has the right to serve an injunction which will stop all work while a resolution is reached.
Stage 2
Once notice has been given, your neighbour will have three options.
i) consent to the works
ii) dissent to the works and you both agree to appoint one party wall surveyor to act for both parties to resolve the matter
iii) dissent to the works and appoint their own surveyor, so a separate surveyor working for each party
Stage 3
If the neighbour does not consent, This is considered to be a party wall dispute which must be resolved by way of a party wall award.
The party wall award is a legal document that governs certain aspects of the works such as timings, working hours, and potentially detail of the works.
Pre-works condition schedule
A pre-works condition schedule is required as part of a party wall award, and is considered good practice even in the event of consent. The schedule provides a record that can be referred back to in case of any damage during the works and serves to protect both parties – the person doing the work and the neighbour.
The award is legally binding, however both sides will have 14 days to appeal the award in the County Court.
If you have any questions about party walls, view our frequently asked questions or get in touch with one of our expert surveyors today.
Advice for property developers in Cheshire
The Party Wall Act also applies to property developers. Whether extending or converting a building, or constructing a new property near an existing structure, works must comply with the Act.
Notices have to be served for works conducted within three metres of a neighbouring property – or up to six metres in some cases involving deeper excavations.
Our surveyors regularly work with developers to provide expert advice and manage all aspects of Party Wall Act. From evaluating architectural plans, to serving notices and resolving disputes, we can help developers working on projects in Cheshire.
Many developers simply send us their plans so that we can manage the process on their behalf, leaving them free to concentrate on other important aspects of the project.
Complying with Party Wall rules
There is now a far greater awareness of the Party Wall Act and more established building contractors understand the importance of complying with the rules of the act. But there can be a perception that the Act is an obstruction.
Some contractors carrying out smaller works either don’t understand the act, or don’t see it as necessary which can put projects, and people, at risk.
When you apply for planning permission you are reminded to check whether the act applies to your project. But smaller projects, carried out under permitted development, often don’t require planning permission, so there is no reminder.
- If a neighbour starts work without serving notice we recommend politely pointing out the oversight and asking them to stop work and serve notice.
- If the neighbour carries on with the work without an agreement you can apply for an injunction to stop the work. An injunction could delay a project by anything from one to six months, or more. Also, if any damage has been caused, fines may be incurred.
- Getting a professional involved can help take the emotion out of a situation. The Act is to everyone’s advantage and in most cases a resolution is reached without the need for costly legal battles.
Party wall advice for Cheshire
If you are planning work on a property in Cheshire that falls under the Party Wall Act, or have been served notice of works by a neighbour and are not sure what to do next, our expert party wall surveyors can help.
Whatever the situation, professional advice from our party wall surveyors will help ensure compliance with the rules of the act. Should there be a dispute, it can usually be resolved quickly and easily by having the right paperwork in place.
Our services start from just £150, providing a cost-effective and reliable solution. We can also offer expert witness services for more complex cases.
Our experts
Michael Bull
Head of Block Management
With many years’ experience Mike has particular expertise in working on projects that fall under the Party Wall Act. Mike also offers expert witness services and has worked on numerous high-profile cases.
Richard Sherwood
Chief Operating Officer
As an expert party wall surveyor Richard works with both home owners and commercial clients to help ensure compliance with the act. Richard is also retained as a party wall surveyor for a number of national developers.
Ben O’Brien
Chief Executive Officer
Ben is an experienced party wall surveyor and has worked on numerous projects helping both developers and home owners manage compliance.
Party Wall Surveyors – Cheshire
From our Manchester office, our skilled team of party wall surveyors delivers expert support to clients across Cheshire and the surrounding areas.
The Party Wall Act has its roots in measures introduced after the Great Fire of London, designed to regulate construction and prevent the spread of fire between adjoining buildings. While the Act has been updated to meet modern construction practices, its purpose remains the same: to balance the needs of property owners with the rights of their neighbours.
As members of RICS, Easton Bevins upholds the highest standards of professionalism and technical expertise within the property and construction sectors. With a reputation for providing clear advice and dependable service, we ensure your project is managed with care and precision.
Whether you are a private homeowner, a neighbour, or a developer, contact us today for professional and timely advice.
MANCHESTER
Edward Court Studios
26 Edward Court
Altrincham Business Park
WA14 5GL
0161 669 2267
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