Party Wall advice

[vbus]

We're planning to do kitchen extension and havebeen advised to serve our neighbour notice for Party Wall.

Not really sure how to go about this...I will obviously discuss with neighbour our plans prior to serving notice. But what happens next?

Do I get solictor to draw up paperwork and hand that to neighbours? What happens if they object to extension? (it is within permitted development but will block out some of their light).

How long does this process usually take? I presume no building work allowed til notice served?

Anyone been through this with any gems of wisdom to share much appreciated

[tinierclanger]

You don't need a solicitor to do it, you can get a template and fill it in yourself. this site is useful. You do need to nominate a surveyor.

You hand them the paperwork in advance (2 months I think). If they have issues, you go into dispute, but that doesn't necessarily have to be a big deal. On the whole as a process it's normally a bit of a technicality,

[bitzermaloney]

We are doing this at the moment. What exactly do you have to serve the notice for - are you putting a beam into an adjoining wall or digging within 3 metres of their property? You can get started on other parts of the work that don't fall under the party wall agreement.

This downloadable booklet explains it all.

If they decide they want a surveyor you will have to pay for it.

[vbus]

Thanks so much for your help both. A bit of light reading for me then info looks useful. We're going out by 3m but neighbour is of the protesting kind, hope things go smoothly...