Party walls and neighbourly issues are predominantly governed by the Party Wall etc Act 1996. If you are either developing a site or own property next to a planned development, whether refurbishment, new build or something in between, the Act will probably affect you. Our specialist surveyors work on behalf of both building owners and adjoining owners and carefully manage this complex area. How? By taking a hands-on, practical approach, focusing on the unique requirements of each client, as well as the subtle technical interpretation of the Act.
Experience
Our neighbourly team is highly experienced and we have worked over the years on a wide range of projects varying in size and type across all parts of England and Wales. We are recognised experts in our field and always abreast of the latest developments in this very specialist area. As our reputation grows and with the increasing volume of brownfield land development which is by its nature often surrounded by other properties, the number of instructions we deal with is continually growing.
Knowledge
As you would expect, all of those working on neighbourly issues are fully conversant in procedure and the language of the Party Wall etc Act 1996 and the rights and obligations placed on property owners. However, we strongly believe that this is not enough. Our surveyors all have technical expertise and fully understand the construction process, which is paramount to being able to give the correct advice and effectively administer the Act.
We take a commercial and pragmatic approach, obviously working within the parameters of a piece of legislation and adding value where possible. We work with the project team from the early stages of a scheme to facilitate the work on site, on time and to plan.
Diversity
The Party Wall Act gives developers a right to access their neighbour's land to facilitate certain construction works. However, in circumstances where the Act does not apply, a developer may have to seek the express permission of adjoining owners, which is then dealt with by a licence. Malcolm Hollis' neighbourly service not only deals with the Party Wall etc Act 1996 but also with other areas related to construction development such as cranes oversailing licences, scaffold and hoarding licences and other access issues for both developers and neighbours. Additional areas of our expertise are boundary disputes and high hedges. Such issues are becoming more and more important with the continued emphasis on brownfield development and city centre regeneration.
Flexibility
Frequently we are asked to provide party wall advice and to produce schedules of condition for large schemes that affect numerous neighbouring properties – often within an extremely tight timeframe. We have the resources to enable us to take on large schemes but we are equally happy to service small schemes wherever they are in the country. The Act does not apply in Scotland but is applicable throughout England and Wales, having been extended beyond London in 1996. All Malcolm Hollis offices are able to offer specialist party wall advice on instructions of any size. Whatever the nature of your instruction we ensure that the quality of advice given and the standard of our service is second to none.
Party walls and neighbourly issues products
- Party wall – building owner’s surveyor
- Party wall – adjoining owner’s surveyor
- Party wall - agreed surveyor
- Crane oversailing
- Scaffolding and hoarding licences
- Access to neighbouring land
- Boundary disputes
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