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Understanding Party Wall Agreements For Chimney Breast
A party wall is a shared wall between two properties, such as the wall between semi-detached or terraced houses, and it forms part of the overall parts of buildings. Work affecting a party wall, such as removing a chimney breast, falls under the scope of the Party Wall Act 1996. The aim of this law is to prevent disputes between neighbours when construction work has the potential to impact shared property.
Before proceeding, you must serve notice to your adjoining neighbour(s) if your work affects a party wall or structure near a neighbouring building or boundary. A Party Wall Agreement is a formal written document outlining how the work will be carried out and ensuring the interests of all affected parties are considered.
The key steps for a Party Wall Agreement are:
- Serving a Party Wall Notice – Notify your neighbours about your planned work at least two months before starting.
- Response from Neighbours – Neighbours can either consent, dissent, or ignore the notice. Silence after 14 days counts as dissent.
- Appointing Surveyors – If there is dissent, you and your neighbour must appoint surveyors to draw up a Party Wall Award.
- Party Wall Award – This legally binding document ensures work is done to minimise damage and disruption.