What is subsidence?
Subsidence is a type of downward ground movement below a building.
What is a party wall?
Sep 13, 2021
The most common examples of party walls are those that separate semi-detached or terraced houses. Another example are the walls that make up the boundary between gardens, these are commonly referred to as party fence walls.
What is the Party Wall Act 1996?
The Party Wall Act was passed in 1996 and applies to houses in England and Wales. It was passed to prevent building work from being undertaken that could compromise the structural integrity of any shared wall/ party wall or adjoining properties. This Act provides a framework to assist in the prevention and resolution of disputes between neighbours, should they arise. This includes party walls, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings. In Scotland and Northern Ireland where the Act does not apply, common law is used to resolve and settle disputes.
What is a Party Wall Notice & Party Wall Agreement?
A property owner proposing to start work covered by the must give any adjoining owners notice of their intentions in the way set down in the Party Wall Act. If you are planning on undertaking works that will affect a neighbouring building you may need to provide a Notice to your neighbours and compose an Agreement (in writing). Contact Form and we will be able to advise and assist in determining if a notice and agreement are required. Typically, the notice itself will be your responsibility to deliver etc.
Please also follow this link for more information about Form’s Party Wall Services.
The majority of larger-scale works to a party wall require an agreement. Exclusions include minor works such as drilling into the wall, fitting kitchen units or shelving, plastering a wall and works on electrical wiring or sockets.
For more information about party walls and dealing with disputes please follow the links below to the government website.
Party walls and building work – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)