Consent is required when constructing walls up to, on or across a boundary

This step-by-step guide is designed to help property owners navigate the consent process when planning to build walls that approach, sit on, or cross a boundary line.

Evaluate Your Project against The Party  Wall Act
Initial assessment:
Determine whether your planned work includes constructing a new wall directly on the boundary, or one that extends beyond it.

Understand the legal obligations:
If your plans fall into either of these categories, the Party Wall Act requires that you serve a Line of Junction Notice at least one month in advance. This notice must detail the nature of the proposed construction. While not mandatory, including drawings is advisable.

Open Communication from the Start
Informal conversations:
Engage in friendly dialogue with your neighbour before issuing formal notice. Clearly explain your intentions and any potential benefits. Being upfront early on often fosters goodwill and can ease the formalities that follow.
Use supporting visuals:
Providing clear plans and illustrations can make it easier for your neighbour to understand the impact and scope of the work.

Serve the Notice
Drafting the notice:
Clearly state the work you're proposing, the anticipated start date, your contact details, and invite your neighbour to reach out with questions or concerns.
Serving methods:
You must serve the notice at least one month prior to commencing work. Acceptable delivery options include:

• Hand delivery to someone at the property
• Posting with proof of postage
• Email (only if the recipient has agreed to accept notices this way)

Always keep records of when and how the notice was served.

Await a Response
Timeframe for reply:
Neighbours are given 14 days from the date of service to respond. They may:

• Consent to the notice: Approve the planned work.
• Dissent to the notice: Initiate a formal dispute resolution procedure.

Engage with Feedback
Be receptive to input:
Neighbours may raise reasonable concerns or suggestions. Where feasible, make modest changes to address these in exchange for their consent.
Provide reassurances:
Emphasise the measures you’ll take to reduce disruption and maintain safety standards during the work.

Secure Written Consent
Written consent:
Whenever possible, obtain formal written consent. This helps document mutual understanding and provides legal clarity.
If there's dissent:
You’ll need to appoint one or more party wall surveyors to handle the matter and issue a Party Wall Award.

Appointing Surveyors
Agreed surveyor option:
To save time and money, propose using one surveyor to act for both parties. A capable and impartial surveyor can maintain good relations, or even help mend strained ones through fair and open communication.
Separate surveyors:
Each party can also appoint their own. While this is sometimes preferred, it usually results in higher costs without significantly changing the final outcome.

Follow the Party Wall Award
Surveyor’s responsibilities:
The appointed surveyor(s) will issue a Party Wall Award, which outlines the work permitted, timelines, any conditions, and the distribution of costs.
Comply with the award:
Make sure to follow its terms carefully to prevent further disputes and to maintain a good relationship with your neighbour.

Start the Work
Notify before starting:
Let your neighbour know the confirmed start date once consent or the Party Wall Award is in place.
Provide updates:
Keep them informed of major developments, especially if timelines or details of the project change.

Maintain Positive Neighbourly Relations
Respect boundaries:
Be courteous about noise, debris, and access issues.

Respond promptly:
Address any concerns raised before or during the build quickly and professionally.

CONCLUSION
By following these steps, you’ll make the party wall process more manageable while preserving positive neighbourly relationships with your neighbours.

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​Need help with a Party Wall Act issue? Contact Us for expert, no-obligation advice.

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