How to issue a Party Wall Notice

01 August 2025

If you are planning substantial works in the region of removing a chimney breast, adding an extension, converting a loft or excavating for a basement, you might need to serve Party Wall Notices to your neighbours before work begins.

You must issue a Notice if you intend to:

• Build a wall on or across a boundary
• Cut into a party wall to insert a beam (common in loft conversions)
• Remove a chimney breast on a party wall
• Excavate within 6 metres of an adjoining property

If you are not sure whether your plans require a Notice, call us on 020 3176 0029 or send us your drawings to info@tcl-surveyors.co.uk We can tell you what is needed. If a Notice is required, we will give you a fixed fee quotation so you know exactly where you stand.

Why getting it right matters

A Party Wall Notice is not just a formality. It must include certain details to be valid, and if those details are wrong it can derail the process. We make sure it is correct from the start, avoiding delays and disputes later on. Most Notices include drawings showing the works. For excavations, these must also show the intended depth.

The purpose of the act

The Party Wall etc. Act exists to help building works proceed while safeguarding your neighbour’s property. In most situations, they cannot stop works unless there is a breach of Planning or other Local Authority rules.

One of the main protections the Act provides is the Schedule of Condition survey. This records the state of your neighbour’s property before work begins. If any damage occurs during or after the works, it can be clearly identified and resolved without argument.

When you may not need an award

Serving a Notice does not always lead to an Award. For smaller jobs, neighbours sometimes give written consent to the works. If that agreement is in place, you can proceed without an Award.

The Party Wall process is straightforward when handled properly. With accurate paperwork, a clear plan and experienced guidance, you can get the green light for your works and keep relationships with neighbours on solid ground.

Call us on 020 3176 0029 or send us your drawings to info@tcl-surveyors.co.uk and we can go from there.