The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 extends party wall legislation and procedures, established in London, to the whole of England and Wales. The act can be viewed by clicking this link: Party Wall etc. Act 1996. More third party information can be accessed via our links page.

Within London party wall legislation existed previously under the London Building Acts (Amendment) Act 1939. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is similar to the 1939 Act but does have a number of significant differences.

The Act makes provision in respect of party walls, and excavation and construction in proximity to certain buildings or structures; and for connected purposes.

The Act with these provisions provides owners of buildings with rights and obligations to other owners.
The approach to exercising of these rights and obligations, also the method and resolution of disputes is set out.

The approach encompasses the requirement to serve appropriate notices and counter notices, issuing of appropriate consents in particular circumstances, appointment and duties of surveyors to determine disputes in accordance with the Act procedures, matters of compensation etc.

Part Wall Surveyors

Andrew Dust is very experienced with building and party wall legislation matters, formerly under the London Building Acts (Amendment) Act 1939 and under the current Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Prior to setting up the practice Andrew Dust was engaged within the District Surveyor's service controlling building matters in accordance with the London Building Acts, The Building Act 1984 and associated legislation.

Andrew Dust is regularly appointed as a party wall surveyor both where a Building Owner wishes to carry out building and or excavation works and or where an Adjoining Owner has received notice of the intention of the Building Owner's works.

Where appointed by the Building Owner we can advise and arrange to prepare and serve all necessary party wall notices, make any necessary appointments and arrange to agree matters and issue appropriate Party Wall Awards in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Where appointed by the Adjoining Owner we can advise and arrange to receive notices, prepare and serve all necessary party wall counter notices, make any necessary appointments and arrange to agree matters and issue appropriate Party Wall Awards in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Advice may be given upon the extent and limitations of the respective owners rights and obligations under the Act.

Schedules of condition of adjoining property would be prepared and agreed between the surveyors, which we would normally prepare when appointed by the Building Owner.

In all cases we will act with due care and in a spirit of co-operation between parties, liasing with the respective owners and appointed surveyors to reach agreement.

If any other matters arise which are outside the scope of party wall matters separate instructions may be required for us to advise and act as necessary.

For more information please refer to Building Surveying section.