If you receive a Party Wall Notice, you have 14 days to respond.
You may either consent to the proposed works or formally dissent.
The notice should clearly set out the nature of the works and the anticipated programme.
As the adjoining owner, your role is to review and decide. While you may raise concerns and ensure your interests are properly protected, the law does not allow you to prevent a neighbour from carrying out lawful improvements to their property.
You Consent to the Works
Providing consent means you are content for the works to proceed without appointing a Party Wall Surveyor. It is typically the most cost-effective route for your neighbour, as it avoids additional professional fees.
Consent is often appropriate where you are comfortable that the proposed works present minimal risk to your property.
Even where consent is given, we strongly recommend that a Schedule of Condition is prepared. This is undertaken at no cost to you and provides a formal record of your property’s condition before works commence. In our experience, this simple step significantly reduces the likelihood of future disputes by offering clear, independent evidence should any concerns arise.
Importantly, consenting does not remove your statutory protection under the Party Wall Act. Should the works differ from what was originally notified, the Act provides a clear framework to address this.
You Dissent to works
If you have any reservations about the proposed project, withholding consent is entirely reasonable. In legal terms, this creates a “dispute” under the Act and requires the appointment of a Party Wall Surveyor.
The surveyor’s role is impartial. They review the proposed drawings and construction methodology, assess potential risks, and formally record the condition of the affected properties.
This process results in two key documents:
- Schedule of Condition – a detailed record of the property’s condition prior to works.
- Party Wall Award – a legally binding agreement that defines the scope of works, how they are to be undertaken, how any damage would be remedied, and responsibility for associated costs.
The objective is simple: clarity, protection and certainty for both parties.
Totum 