Why you can't just go ahead and build your conservatory
Occasionally you'll notice a news story about a property dispute between neighbours. This is often anything from the height of a hedge between them to the building of a conservatory. When you are considering the latter, be familiar with the Party Wall Act 1996. Making certain you refer to this before building can save a lot of hassle later. Here's a quick guide to the key points...
What is it?
The Party Wall Act 1996 regulates what you can and cannot do when building either on part of, or close to, a neighbour's property. You should refer to it if you are planning to build a conservatory which would involve:
? an existing wall or structure shared with another property
? a free of charge standing wall up to or astride the boundary to your neighbour's property
? excavating near a neighbouring building to build your foundations
The fence that isn't actually a fence
The word Party Wall Fence actually identifies a wall which doesn't form part of a building but does straddle the boundary between you and your neighbour. If you are planning to build against this, or excavate within three metres of it, there's action you need to take.
An important notice
At least two months before work starts, you must give your neighbour an official notice, containing information such as:
? name, address, and owners of the property
? statement that it is being served beneath the terms of the act
? complete description and proposed start date of work
? date of serving the notice
? what happens if there is a dispute
Just having a speak to your neighbour isn't good enough. They can consent to work starting earlier, but don't have to. Your builder or architect, with their experience, should deal with this for you. Your neighbours have 14 days to give written permission or register dissent. Should they don't reply, you move to...
A Party Wall Dispute
A surveyor or surveyors is appointed to determine a fair and impartial award. Each party can appoint their own or agree to just one. Following the making of an award, if this won't settle the dispute, all parties can interest a County Court.
Once agreement is reached
All work must adhere to the notice. Keep your copy; in the event that you later sell the house, a prospective owner may wish to check it.
https://westmidlandssurveyor.co.uk/best-party-wall-surveys-west-midlands/
That is a very basic guide. There's more detail in a free of charge 42-page booklet from the Department for Communities and MUNICIPALITY. If all this seems a hassle, it's surely infinitely preferable to the alternative!
Ultraframe are specialist designers and manufacturers of conservatories and orangeries