A party wall agreement is a legal document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of property owners when undertaking building work that affects a shared wall or boundary. This can include
removing a chimney breast that shares a wall with a neighboring property.
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you must give notice to any neighboring properties that may be affected by the work. The notice must provide details of the proposed work, including plans and drawings. Your neighbors then have the opportunity to either consent to the work or raise objections.
If your neighbor raises objections, a party wall surveyor may need to be appointed to help resolve the dispute. The surveyor will prepare a party wall agreement that outlines the terms of the work, such as the times of day when work can take place and how any damage will be remedied.