Neighbour's building work and party walls - help pls!

[Wonderbug81]

I live in first floor flat, neighbour on ground, separate freeholder.

Neighbour is building a garden extension. He has planning permission and freeholder permission.

Neighbour said we don't need a party wall agreement, despite the fact he might knock through the front of his flat or even our shared hallway to get a digger through (a wall that clearly supports my flat)!

Now he is trying to get me to use his surveyor.

The work has already started, just clearing out at the moment.

Am I right in thinking formal notice should have been given to me first and that the party wall agreement should be in place already (as it covers working hours).

What are usual timelines on this?

And are there any impacts on building insurance etc?

Feeling a bit out of my depth so all the steps needed would be really helpful!

Yes, a party wall agreement should be in place before works commence. You can write to him and demand that work stops until a party wall notice has been served and agreed to. The notice will give you your options re agreeing or not and whether you want to appoint your own surveyor.

Just to add, he should also foot the bill for any surveyor!

Thank you! He tried to argue I didn't need it still but spoke to some surveyors and they said party wall doesn't cover the front wall he wants to knock down but due to party structures (he's removing them for his floor but mine will remain), the party wall act comes into effect.