Loft Conversions And Party Walls: What’s The Rules?

If you’re considering a loft conversion for a terraced or semi-detached property, it’s probable that your plans will impact a party wall. Any structural alterations involving this shared wall (or walls) will necessitate obtaining explicit permissions from your neighbours, in addition to the standard planning permission and adherence to building regulations.

Why does a loft conversion require consent from the neighbours?

Even if your conversion falls within the category of ‘permitted development’, the Party Wall Act 1996 will apply if you intend to cut into a shared wall to install supporting beams for your conversion. Additionally, any demolition of a wall—regardless of whether it will be rebuilt shortly afterward—requires consent.

We advise initiating informal discussions with your neighbour about the project at the earliest opportunity, as you will need to reach an agreement on the terms of a Party Wall Award before commencing work. While your neighbour cannot legally prevent you from proceeding with the work, involving them from the outset can facilitate a smoother process.

Serving The Notice

Even if you’ve had informal discussions with your neighbour and received verbal approval for your planned works, you still need to serve a formal notice as stipulated under Section 3 of the Party Wall Act. This Notice must:

• Be served to the legal owners of the affected neighbouring property (not necessarily the occupants).
• Be served at least two months before the intended start date (although it remains valid for up to one year).
• Include information from relevant sections of the Act and details about your proposed work.
• Outline the adjoining owner’s rights to raise objections to the works’ terms, appoint their own surveyor, and implement measures to protect their property during the construction phase.

Party Wall Awards

If the neighbours fail to respond to the notice or actively dissent, reaching an agreement about the works becomes necessary in the form of a Party Wall Award. This award is either drawn up by a jointly-appointed surveyor or negotiated separately by surveyors representing both parties.

The purpose of the award is to settle any contentious issues fairly and practically. It typically addresses the work plans, permissible working hours, access arrangements, and measures to safeguard both properties. Additionally, the award often includes a schedule of conditions to accurately document any damage that may occur during the work.

Our team at Roger Hannah comprises expert party wall surveyors who are ready to address any queries you may have regarding work on a shared wall.