Chester Party Wall Surveyors
Easton Bevins surveyors specialise in managing projects that fall under the regulations of the Party Wall Act. Our team is dedicated to ensuring compliance with the Act, resolving potential disputes, and minimising disruption.
If you are planning work on a party wall, boundary wall, or party structure, or if you have received notice of party wall works from a neighbour and are unsure of your obligations, our experienced surveyors are here to help.
We provide expert advice throughout the process, ensuring all work adheres to the requirements of the Party Wall Act. Our team is skilled at resolving disputes efficiently, allowing projects to proceed with minimal delay.
Call 0161 669 2267, email or complete our enquiry form.
Understanding the Party Wall Act
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 was established to prevent or resolve disputes related to work on party walls, boundary walls, or excavations near neighbouring properties. The Act requires that you serve notice to the adjoining owner before carrying out such works. Without serving notice, you will have no legal right to proceed with the work.
You can download the Government’s explanatory booklet for further information.
Download booklet
In some cases, you may need to use a neighbour’s land or property—for example, to erect scaffolding. The Act also allows for potential cost-sharing where a shared wall is being repaired or improved.
While some may see the process as bureaucratic, compliance with the Act is legally required and provides protections for all parties. It facilitates project completion while safeguarding neighbours from unnecessary inconvenience or damage.
Party wall disputes v. boundary disputes
Party wall disputes are sometimes confused with boundary disputes but the two are very different.
Find out more about party wall disputes:
Read more
Boundary disputes are becoming a more common occurrence in Manchester, partly due to rising property prices and land values.
If you think that someone has encroached on your land, that would be classified as a boundary dispute and cannot be dealt with under the Party Wall Act. Easton Bevins has boundary experts specialising in this complex area. We can also provide expert witness services if required.
Find out more about boundary disputes:
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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.
Party Wall Advice for Chester Property Developers
The Party Wall Act applies to property developers working on extensions, building conversions, or new developments near existing properties. Notices must be served if work is planned within three metres of a neighbouring property, extending to six metres in certain cases.
We support developers in Chester and the surrounding areas by assessing plans for compliance with the Party Wall Act, managing notices, and ensuring smooth project execution. Many developers rely on our expertise to handle the entire process, allowing them to focus on the construction itself.
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 its rules.
Anyone applying for planning permission will be reminded to check whether the act applies to their project. But smaller building projects carried out under permitted development often don’t require planning permission, so there is no reminder.
There can also be a perception that the Party Wall Act is an unnecessary obstruction. Some contractors carrying out smaller works either do not understand the act, or simply do not see it as relevant or necessary, which can put projects, and people, at risk.
What to do if a neighbour starts work without serving notice
A good first option is to politely point out the oversight and ask them to stop work and serve notice, this usually achieves the desired result.
What to do if a neighbour carries on with the work without an agreement
If this does not work, you can apply for an injunction to stop the work. An injunction could delay a project by anything from one month to six months, or more. If a builder has already started work, they will probably continue to charge after it has been stopped. Also, if any damage has been caused, significant fines may be incurred.
Get professional advice before things escalate.
Getting a professional involved can help take the emotion out of a situation. Remember, the Party Wall Act is to everyone’s advantage and in our experience, in the majority of cases a resolution is without the need for costly legal battles.
Expert Party Wall Advice in Chester
If you are planning party wall works or have been served notice by a neighbour, our surveyors can guide you through the process. We assist homeowners, neighbours, and developers across Chester with their party wall requirements.
Our services ensure compliance with the Act and provide swift resolution to disputes through accurate documentation and professional oversight. Fees for our support start from just £150, making professional advice both accessible and cost-effective.
In cases of dispute, we also provide expert witness services specialising in party wall matters.
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.
Local Experts Serving Chester
With a highly skilled team of surveyors based in Manchester, we offer expert party wall advice to property owners and developers in Chester and the surrounding areas.
Established in 1989, Easton Bevins is renowned for its honest approach, clear advice, and exceptional professional standards. As an RICS-accredited firm with decades of property and construction experience, we deliver unparalleled service.
Contact our Manchester office today for expert advice or assistance with any matters related to the Party Wall Act.
MANCHESTER
Edward Court Studios
26 Edward Court
Altrincham Business Park
WA14 5GL
0161 669 2267
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Read moreGet in touch
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