Why you can't just go ahead and build your conservatory
Occasionally you'll notice a news story about a property dispute between neighbours. This is often anything from the height of a hedge between them to the building of a conservatory. When you are considering the latter, be aware of the Party Wall Act 1996. Making sure you make reference to this before building can save an awful lot of hassle later. Here is a quick guide to the main element points...
What is it?
The Party Wall Act 1996 regulates what you can and cannot do when building either on part of, or near, a neighbour's property. You should refer to it if you are planning to create a conservatory which would involve:
? an existing wall or structure distributed to another property
? a free standing wall up to or astride the boundary to your neighbour's property
? excavating near a neighbouring building to build your foundations
The fence that isn't actually a fence
The term Party Wall Fence actually refers to 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 against this, or excavate within three metres of it, there's action you need to take.
An important notice
At least two months before work starts, you need to give your neighbour the official notice, containing information such as:
? name, address, and owners of the house
? statement that it is being served under the terms of this act
? complete description and proposed start date of work
? date of serving the notice
? what happens if there is a dispute
Just having a speak to your neighbour isn't good enough. They can agree to work starting earlier, but don't have to. https://thehearup.com/things-to-consider-before-installing-skylights-in-your-home/34988/ or architect, with their experience, should deal with this for you personally. Your neighbours have 2 weeks to give written permission or register dissent. If they don't reply, you move to...
A CELEBRATION Wall Dispute
A surveyor or surveyors is appointed to find out a good and impartial award. Each party can appoint their very own or agree to just one single. Following the making of an award, if this doesn'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; in the event that you later sell the property, a prospective owner may decide to check it.
Final words
This is the very basic guide. There's more detail in a free of charge 42-page booklet from the Department for Communities and MUNICIPALITY. If all this seems a hassle, it's surely infinitely better the alternative!
Ultraframe are specialist designers and manufacturers of conservatories and orangeries