Faulkner Surveyors
Party Wall Agreement Market Drayton
Dealing with shared walls can feel confusing—but it doesn’t have to be.
With years of experience and a deep understanding of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, we help you stay on the right side of the law while keeping good relationships with your neighbours.
Whether you’re removing a chimney breast, digging near another property, or working on a boundary wall, we’ll guide you through every step.
At Faulkner Surveyors, our goal is simple: to make the process straightforward, clear, and neighbour-friendly.
What Is a Party Wall Agreement Market Drayton– And Do You Need One?
If you’re planning any kind of work that affects a wall or boundary you share with a neighbour, you might need what’s called a Party Wall Agreement.
A Party Wall Agreement (officially known as a Party Wall Award under the Party Wall etc Act 1996) is a legal document that outlines how and when work will be carried out on a shared wall, fence, or even nearby ground.
It helps protect both you and your neighbour, making sure that any changes you make are fair, safe, and clearly agreed upon in writing.
When Might You Need One?
You’ll likely need a Party Wall Agreement if your project includes:
- Working on a wall that sits directly between two properties
- Extending or altering a boundary wall or garden wall
- Inserting steel beams (common with loft conversions)
- Digging foundations near a neighbour’s property
- Removing a chimney breast that’s attached to a shared wall
Why Do You Need a Party Wall Notice Before Starting Work?
It’s easy to think, “It’s my property, so I can just start work.” But if what you want to do will change a wall or the land that you share with someone next door, the law has rules for that.
A Party Wall Notice is not just more paperwork. It is the legal step you need to take before you start.
If you plan to work on a shared wall, a boundary, or even the foundations close to someone else’s property, you have to give a Party Wall Notice by law. This notice can help you and your neighbours avoid problems or mix-ups.
It can also keep things running smoothly for your work. Plus, it may help protect your relationship with people living next to you.
Key Reasons to Serve a Notice:
- It’s a legal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
- It protects you from disputes or legal claims
- It gives neighbours time to respond fairly
- It helps maintain a positive relationship with neighbours
- It can prevent costly delays or work stoppages
At Faulkner Surveyors, we handle the notice process for you—clearly, quickly, and professionally.
Can a Neighbour Refuse a Party Wall Agreement — and What Happens Then?
Yes, your neighbour can refuse or dissent from a Party Wall Agreement—but that doesn’t mean your project is over. It just means a formal resolution process needs to take place before any work can begin.
Let’s break it down:
What Happens When a Neighbour Refuses or Disagrees?
If you serve a Party Wall Notice and your neighbour doesn’t agree to the proposed works (or doesn’t respond within 14 days), a dispute is considered to have arisen under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
At this point, you can’t go ahead with the work until the dispute is resolved legally—but that’s where surveyors come in.
Appointing Party Wall Surveyors
Once a dispute is triggered, both parties must appoint a Party Wall Surveyor. This can either be:
1. One Agreed Surveyor (appointed by both you and your neighbour), or
2. Two Separate Surveyors, one for each side
These surveyors act impartially—even if you’re paying for both—and their job is to come to a fair agreement about how the work can proceed safely and lawfully.
The Party Wall Award
The surveyor(s) will then prepare a legal document called a Party Wall Award. This sets out:
1. What work is allowed
2. How it should be carried out
3. Any protections or precautions for the neighbouring property
4. A record of the neighbour’s current property condition (called a Schedule of Condition)
Once this Award is in place, you’re legally allowed to begin the work—even if your neighbour originally objected.
Important Notes:
1. Your neighbour cannot stop the work indefinitely—they can only trigger the surveyor process.
2. You may be responsible for your neighbour’s surveyor fees (this is common).
3. If your neighbour doesn’t respond at all, you can still proceed by appointing a surveyor on their behalf after 14 days.
How Faulkner Surveyors Help
At Faulkner Surveyors, we manage the entire process—handling notices, disputes, and the Party Wall Award with professionalism and fairness.
If things get complicated, we’re here to protect your rights and keep the project moving without unnecessary drama.