Party walls
Party wall agreements for Kent extensions — what actually happens
If your extension sits near a shared wall or boundary, party wall paperwork often comes into play. Here is how it usually works for Medway and Kent homeowners — without the legal fog.
When a party wall notice is needed
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 covers work on a shared wall, digging foundations within certain distances of a neighbour's structure, and some works to a party fence wall. Plenty of Medway rear extensions and side returns fall into that net.
It is separate from planning permission. You can have permitted development rights sorted and still need to serve a party wall notice before starting on site.
- Work on a shared wall
- Excavation near a neighbour's foundations
- New walls built up to the boundary
- Loft works involving a party wall
Notices, responses and surveyors
You (or your surveyor) serve notice on the adjoining owner. They can consent, or dissent and appoint a surveyor. If they ignore the notice after the statutory period, the Act still has a route forward — but it slows things down.
Most neighbours are reasonable once they understand the programme and how the foundations and steels will be handled. A clear drawing pack and a polite conversation go a long way before formal letters go out.
How this fits a Napwood build
We will flag party wall risk early when we look at your drawings and site. Surveyor fees sit outside the build quote, but we work around the award so foundations, steels and making good line up with what has been agreed.
Skipping this to 'get a head start' is a false economy. It causes neighbour disputes and can stop the job cold.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Is a party wall agreement the same as planning permission?
No. Planning (or permitted development) is about whether you can build. Party wall is about how works affecting a neighbour's structure are agreed and protected.
Who pays for the surveyors?
Usually the person doing the works pays reasonable surveyor costs under the Act. Exact arrangements depend on the award and whether both sides appoint surveyors.
How long does party wall take?
Consent can be quick. If surveyors are involved, allow several weeks. Build it into the programme before you book steels and groundworkers.
Can Napwood serve the notices?
We advise on timing and buildability. Formal notices and awards are normally handled by a party wall surveyor — we can point you in the right direction.
Ready to discuss your project? Call us or request a free estimate today.
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