We are pleased to have been appointed by the Building Owners of a house in Cranleigh who are looking to undertake alterations and an extension to their property in Cranleigh. We were initially approached by their their architect for advice in accordance with the Party Wall etc Act 1996 and the implication of the Act in relation to their proposed plans.
We reviewed the details of the proposed works and were able to identify the elements of the project that were notifiable in accordance with the party wall legislation and provided the Building Owner with information on the Party Wall etc Act 1996 and the statutory process they needed to adhere to. We provided our Appointing Owner with clear information and also highlighted the role of a party wall surveyor in accordance with the legislation. We explained that the role of a party wall surveyor is one which is impartial and once appointed the role becomes a statutory appointment and as such cannot be rescinded. This is a key difference from typical client/consultant role where a client can change consultants if they chose to do so. Under the Party Wall etc Act 1996 once appointed a surveyor cannot be dismissed and would only cease to act if they were unable to do so.
We have extensive experience in dealing with party wall matters under the Party Wall etc Act 1996 and prior to that in London under the London Building Acts (Amendment) Act 1939 which only applied in the inner London boroughs. The party wall legislation was amended in 1996 and extended nationwide making it a statutory requirement to comply with the Party Wall etc Act 1996 for all notifiable works. We can provide advice and act as party wall surveyors for Building Owners and Adjoining Owners, or as an Agreed Surveyor acting impartially for both parties in accordance with the legislation.
