Why you can't just go right ahead and build your conservatory
Occasionally you'll notice a news story in regards to a property dispute between neighbours. This can be anything from the height of a hedge between them to the building of a conservatory. If you are considering the latter, be aware of the Party Wall Act 1996. Making certain you refer to this before building can save a lot of hassle later. Here's a quick guide to the key points...
What is it?
The Party Wall Act 1996 regulates what you can and cannot do when building either on section of, or near, a neighbour's property. You need to refer to it if you're planning to create a conservatory and this would involve:
? a preexisting wall or structure shared with another property
? a free of charge standing wall around or astride the boundary to your neighbour's property
? excavating near a neighbouring building to create your foundations
The fence that isn't actually a fence
The word Party Wall Fence actually identifies a wall which doesn't form part of a building but does straddle the boundary between you and your neighbour. If you are planning to build from this, or excavate within three metres of it, there is action you will need to take.
An important notice
At least 8 weeks before work starts, you need to give your neighbour an official notice, containing information such as:
? name, address, and owners of the house
? statement that it's being served beneath the terms of the act
? complete description and proposed start date of work
? date of serving the notice
? what happens if you have a dispute
Just having a chat with your neighbour isn't good enough. They can agree to work starting earlier, but need not. Your builder or architect, making use of their experience, should deal with this for you. Your neighbours have 14 days to give written permission or register dissent. Should https://hazelnews.com/where-to-find-structural-engineers/ don't reply, you move to...
A CELEBRATION Wall Dispute
A surveyor or surveyors is appointed to determine a fair and impartial award. Each party can appoint their own or agree to just one single. After the making of an award, if this won't settle the dispute, all parties can appeal to a County Court.
Once agreement is reached
All work must comply with the notice. Keep your copy; if you later sell the house, a prospective owner may wish to check it.
Final words
This is usually a very basic guide. There's more detail in a free of charge 42-page booklet from the Department for Communities and Local Government. If all of this seems a headache, it's surely infinitely preferable to the alternative!
Ultraframe are specialist designers and manufacturers of conservatories and orangeries