Party Wall Act

[LutherRalph1]

Hi,

I just wanted to ask around before I sought professional advice

We have had planning agreed for a side extension. It doesn't touch neighbours wall but part of the party wall act advises on issuing notice if excavating within 3m of neighbours house, which we would be. I believe the PWA is if it's within 3 meters and deeper than neighbouring foundations but I wonder if anybody could confirm?

Thanks

What does your architect advise? I’d say one is required from your description but be aware you’ll have to pay for your neighbours surveyor (of their own choosing)if they decide they want a PWA. Consider how you’d feel if the boot was on the other foot. A sensible PWA will add around £1500 to your cost overall but does provide an arbiter and peace of mind for both sides should anything crop up as a result of the build (or indeed if your neighbour declares cracks already in existence before you start work as a consequence of your building work IYSWIM)

That sounds right to me. We’re reconfiguring a ground floor extension in a semi detached house and were advised we’d need a PWA even though the houses aren’t connected for the reason you stated above.

Any excavation within 3 metres of neighbours property will require a Pwa. I found a template online, completed it and discussed it with my neighbour. They thankfully signed it without the need for an independent survey. Just be aware that companies do trawl council planning permission sites and contact those living next door to advise of all that could go wrong and offer their “services”.