Forum Topic

Party Wall Agreement?

Hi there, does anyone know anything about these? New next door neighbour wants to do a loft conversion and initial planning application been OK-ed by the council but apparently it can't go ahead unless I give it the green light.From what they have told me their work can procced (i) with my agreement in writing ie agreed between the two of us or (ii) after calling on the professoinal services of a surveyor, in the latter case the cost will be borne by them (about £600). Does anyone know people able to perform that service? I already had somone (a firm in Harrow) approach me before  the council permission was granted offering to do this at no expense to me but I would rather it was a reputable firm able to do it with a reasonable fee as opposed to the opportunist types who go fishing after planning applications have been submitted.Any ideas welcome, thanks in advance.

Aileen Dover ● 5129d10 Comments

It is the strangest method as it points to bias on the side of the developer but you can appoint anyone, they have to meet the cost.

Michael Brandt ● 5126d

The role of the Party Wall Surveyors is to be neutral, and we found Simon Hands to be very fair (and we weren't the ones paying him by the way!).

Gillian Healey ● 5126d

We received a letter in quasi-official language put through the door while at work yesterday from them asking whether or not we agree to the works proposed so that must be the formal notice served. It says that they propose the use of Simon Hands of Ruislip Road so everything seems to be pointing to him - although would that make him not neutral anymore if he is named by them?

Aileen Dover ● 5126d

It's really prudent to get a proper survey ( The neighbour\developer has to meet the cost )A statutory notice of works has to be issued a fuil month before the start date.If the owner sells and problems manifest then it will end up costing you dear.I have just this happen to a friend recently in Brentford. Neighbours/builder jumped the gun and started before planning approval and notice. His mortgage and insurance company have given him grief, trebling his premiums for not carrying out the survey and not objecting to the plans.He was accused of not protecting his/the mortgage co.s interests!!Problem is the work commenced 2 days before the surveyor was due and once started they cannot survey.

Michael Brandt ● 5127d

If you havn't already seen it, a booklet with Party wall info and standard letters is available at:http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/partywall

Chris Edwards ● 5128d

Thanks for these, checked out that link and there is one in W5 there as well as the direct suggestions. I guess everyone is of the opinion that it's best to get a surveyor to look over it than just blindly agree - which apparently next door did with their neighbours at last property in the same situation? Although I would not inccur a cost I would rather go for a less expensive one so as not to rip off/ annoy the neighbour as I have to pretty much see them every day.

Aileen Dover ● 5129d

If you need a surveyor, try Cube Building Consultancy at http://www.cubebuildingconsultancy.com. Jim Mallams is your man. He did the building survey on the place we bought in Northfields. I must have recommended him to at least seven or eight people over the past few years and to a man they've all been happy with work.

Alex Weel ● 5129d

Simon Hands of Simon Hands Associates in Greenford is a good party wall surveyor, very fair and reasonable.  No connection etc.

Gillian Healey ● 5129d

Unfortunately there are an awful lot of 'ambulance chasers' who follow planning applications. I would steer well clear of these companies. If you need any more help let me know! Paul

Paul Johnson ● 5129d

The builders doing the work for you neighbours will probably have a whole raft of contacts. As the surveyor doing this work has to work within a framework then there should be little to worry about.There is also a directory of party wall surveyors at this location:http://www.partywallact.info/directory.asp?R=London

Nigel Brooks ● 5129d