Party Wall Act

The Act came into force on 1st July 1997 throughout England and Wales. It provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party structures. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies to:

• Work on an existing wall shared with another property
• Building a free standing wall or a wall of a building up to or astride the boundary with a neighbouring property
• Excavating near a neighbouring building (within 6m if deep foundations).

The act is not administered or enforced by the Local Authority. You may need to seek private, professional advice.

If a dispute cannot be avoided the matter can ultimately only be resolved by Civil Action being taken.

View the explanatory booklet, Party Wall etc Act 1996 aimed mainly at householders and small businesses.