Party Wall Awards Guidance from Blanchard Consultancy

Party Wall Awards Guidance

Party Wall Awards

There has been a recent change to Party Wall Awards which extends the legislation throughout the country and not just London with the introduction of the Party Wall Etc Act 1996. This piece of legislation came into force in July 1997.

Instructions are received from either the building owner or the adjoining owner to act upon their behalf in accordance with the regulations laid down by the Act to produce an Award agreed by the surveyors acting for each party.

Clearly, the object is to minimise the cost and disruption arising from the works.

Party Wall Legislation

The Act sets out the compliance procedures and requirements resulting from an owner of land or buildings intending to carry out building works that affect the property of an adjoining owner.

The principal areas covered by the Act are:

works that physically affect the party wall between adjoining properties
works that directly or indirectly affect an adjoining property
excavations / building that may impact upon adjacent but non-adjoining properties

The party intending to carry out any building works is required to give prior notice to the owners of an adjoining property.

Where minor building work is planned, it may be possible to simply agree the proposals. In larger scale projects or where the 3rd party expresses concerns, the matter proceeds to an Award but, there is a requirement on the proposer to indemnify the 3rd party adjoining owner against the possibility of any damage that may arise, whether caused accidentally or negligently.

Ordinarily the fees of the appointed surveyors of both parties are paid for by the party proposing the building works.

Blanchard Consultancy is able to advise and represent you on any aspect of the Party Wall Awards process and legislation.

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