Party Wall Dispute


What is a Party Wall Dispute? Put simply, someone who wishes to carry out certain types of building work covered by the Party Wall etc Act 1996 (the ‘Act’) has notified an adjoining Owner of their intention to do so. A ‘dispute’ arises when the response is anything other than an outright ‘consent’ to that written notification.
The use of the word ‘dispute’ can be difficult to understand in this context. A Party Wall ‘dispute’ doesn’t mean that you are hitting your neighbour, or shouting at them over the fence (nor would we condone or recommend either of these activities – criminal warnings or convictions can put a dampener on all sorts of things!). A ‘Dispute’ simply means that an Adjoining Owner is not happy about the proposed party wall works, to not provide outright consent.
Dissent to a Party Wall Notice may occur for a number of reasons. For instance, the neighbour might operate a recording studio, and have concerns that the proposed works could impact upon the usual running of his or her business. The neighbour may decide to ‘dissent’ to the Notice, to enable a Party Wall Surveyor to deal with the timing and manner of the proposed works. The Party Wall Surveyor would not have jurisdiction over the works in their entirety, but only those aspects of the work that falls within the remit of the Party Wall etc Act 1996.
It is also important to point out that a ‘dissent’ to a Notice cannot, in itself stop building works going ahead. The Party Wall Act is designed to be an enabling Act, i.e. to resolve issues between neighbouring parties, to enable works to go ahead. The Act also protects all Owners’ interests, in that if the damage is caused by the party wall works to neighbouring properties that damage has to be made good.
A dispute can also arise, if works covered by the Party Wall Act commence without Notices being served beforehand, or if due process is otherwise ignored. This gives rise to its own complications, and it is always best to seek and follow professional advice before finding yourself in that situation – you may otherwise find yourself in Court, or generally much worse of financially and from a programming point of view.
If you would like informal advice about what to do about a party wall dispute, then feel free contact us.


Contact Us for Advice
What is a Party Wall Dispute?, Harding Chartered Surveyors

At Harding Chartered Surveyors, we’re a team of independent and impartial RICS surveyors that can carry out party wall matters. If you have any questions or need advice don’t hesitate to call us on 020 3598 6730.

What is a Party Wall Dispute?, Harding Chartered Surveyors

The report is excellent and was provided promptly. All aspects of the service were handled efficiently and professionally. Many thanks to Charles and the team.
What is a Party Wall Dispute?, Harding Chartered Surveyors
R. M.
1710518053
Seamless experience. Very swift and well organised with a thorough survey completed and report returned within less than a week of booking!
What is a Party Wall Dispute?, Harding Chartered Surveyors
L P.
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Cannot recommend enough. Communication has been excellent throughout the entire process, very accommodating and fast turnaround. Everyone I have spoken to has been so helpful and kind, to make a difficult process much easier.
What is a Party Wall Dispute?, Harding Chartered Surveyors
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1708099647
Excellent and professional services by Mr. Ali. I am indeed very pleased. I will recommend to my friends and others who wants to avail the services of Harding Chartered Surveyors.
What is a Party Wall Dispute?, Harding Chartered Surveyors
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Great fast and easy to book. Great price and most of all great staff.
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Great experience dealing with Alaa, very helpful and informative, going above and beyond at any opportunity. Thanks!
What is a Party Wall Dispute?, Harding Chartered Surveyors
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1704533739
Very professional and diligent in their assessment. Our surveyor Alaa Ali has been very responsive and patient with all of our queries providing excellent professional advice on the matter. Will definitely recommend them.
What is a Party Wall Dispute?, Harding Chartered Surveyors
anirudh S.
1701978149
I would thoroughly recommend this company. The appointment for a surveyor came quickly. The surveyor was thorough and explained the items he found wrong. The report came through very promptly.
What is a Party Wall Dispute?, Harding Chartered Surveyors
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1701430434
Excellent and very professional work by Kate for the planning and Charlie for the valuation and report - highly recommended.
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1700507259
Excellent service from all the surveyor team.
What is a Party Wall Dispute?, Harding Chartered Surveyors
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Very efficient professionals, quick response, I would definitely use their services again.
What is a Party Wall Dispute?, Harding Chartered Surveyors
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1697033770
We received fantastic service from Harding Chartered Surveyors. The report by Kash was comprehensive, and his survey was thorough but unintrusive. Although our needs were not urgent, we managed to get an appointment for the survey to be carried out within a week and the report itself was delivered well within the two week period that they quote. I highly recommend them and understand why they are the surveyors of choice for so many home-owners and buyers in the area as well as banks and building societies.
What is a Party Wall Dispute?, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Stewart M.
1695309201
Harding were professional throughout and provided the survey I wanted in good time after other companies had messed me around.
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1694965649
Jessica came to survey my flat for a valuation. She was very fast and professional, I received the report back in under a week. I will use Hardings again.
What is a Party Wall Dispute?, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Benjamin G.
1694534695
Alaa helped me with some structural engineering queries and calculations. I am extremely happy with the service he provided: first of all for his solid and professional advices and the high quality work delivered, secondly for the availability Alaa showed during the visit and in answering follow up questions. I was also a bit in hurry with the project and Alaa was very responsive and managed to finish everything in just a few days.
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What is a Party Wall Dispute?, Harding Chartered Surveyors