Party Wall Boundary Line Extension Newhaven
Thinking about extending your property near the boundary? At Faulkner Surveyors, we specialise in helping homeowners and builders in Newhaven navigate the legal and technical requirements of boundary line extensions under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Whether you’re building a new wall up to the boundary or extending your property alongside a neighbour’s structure, these types of works often fall under party wall regulations — and that’s where we come in.
What Are Your Rights When Extending Up to a Boundary Line Extension Newhaven?
If you’re planning an extension in Newhaven, you generally have the right to build up to your boundary line — as long as the work stays within your property and complies with planning rules.
However, if your extension affects a shared wall or you want to build on the boundary itself, you must follow the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
This means:
1. Serving notice to your neighbour.
2. Gaining consent or resolving disputes via a Party Wall Award.
3. Ensuring your work doesn’t trespass or cause damage.
Need help navigating it? Faulkner Surveyors are your local experts in boundary line extension Newhaven and party wall matters in Newhaven.
Can Your Neighbour Object to Your Boundary Extension Plans in Newhaven?
Yes, your neighbour can say no to your plans to make your boundary bigger. This can happen, but only if some things are true.
If you want to do work that is covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, like building on or close to the boundary, or changing a shared wall, you must give your neighbor a formal Party Wall Notice. This is required by law.
Once notified, your neighbour has the right to:
- Consent to the work.
- Dissent (object), which triggers the need for one or more Party Wall Surveyors to step in and resolve the matter through a Party Wall Award.
Important: Your neighbour cannot stop you from building if the work is lawful and within your property, but they can delay the process or request conditions to protect their property (such as monitoring for damage or specific building methods).
What Are the Most Common Boundary Disputes During Extensions in Newhaven?
When you build close to a boundary line extension Newhaven, you can face problems fast if you do not take care. The main issues people have are:
- Unclear boundary lines – Neighbours disagree on where the legal boundary lies.
- Building over the line – Extensions or footings accidentally crossing onto neighbouring land.
- Damage to neighbouring property – Caused by digging or structural work.
- Failure to serve a Party Wall Notice – Starting work without proper legal notice under the Party Wall Act.
- Loss of light or access – Neighbours objecting due to blocked windows or pathways.
Avoid these problems by getting expert support from Faulkner Surveyors — your local Party Wall specialists in Newhaven
What Happens If You Ignore the Party Wall Act in a Boundary Line Extension Newhaven?
If you do not follow the Party Wall Act when doing your boundary line extension Newhaven, you might think it saves time. But this choice can bring big problems.
Here’s what could happen:
1. Legal Action from Your Neighbour
If you begin work without serving a proper Party Wall Notice, your neighbour has the right to take legal action to stop your project. This could include applying for a court injunction, forcing you to halt construction immediately.
2. Costly Delays and Extra Expenses
Legal disputes, surveyor appointments, or having to undo unapproved work can cause major delays. You could also be held financially responsible for any damage to your neighbour’s property.
3. No Protection for You
If you don’t follow the Act, you lose the protection it offers — such as the ability to carry out certain works lawfully and defend yourself if neighbours claim damage or disruption.
4. Difficulty Selling Your Property
Future buyers and solicitors often ask for proof that all work near a boundary was carried out correctly. Ignoring the Party Wall process can create problems when it’s time to sell.
Don’t Risk It — Let Faulkner Surveyors Handle It Right
As your local Newhaven party wall specialists, Faulkner Surveyors ensure your boundary line extension Newhaven stays compliant, avoids disputes, and protects your build from unnecessary risk.
Thinking of extending? Talk to us first — we make the process smooth, legal, and neighbour-friendly
Do Both Neighbours Need to Appoint a Party Wall Surveyor in Newhaven?
Not always. In Newhaven, if you’re carrying out work covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, your neighbour has two options:
Agree to use one surveyor (an “Agreed Surveyor”) — cost-effective and quicker.
Appoint their own surveyor — often chosen if they have concerns or object to the work.
So, the two neighbours will only need different surveyors if they have a disagreement. At Faulkner Surveyors, we manage cases with one or two surveyors. We help make things easy and fair for everyone.