What is Party Wall Advice?

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a legal framework for preventing and resolving disputes between neighbouring property owners when certain building works are proposed.

The Act commonly applies to:

  • Building an extension on or close to a neighbouring boundary.

  • Constructing, altering or repairing a shared party wall.

  • Excavating foundations within 3 or 6 metres of a neighbouring building, where the relevant conditions apply.

  • Carrying out certain structural alterations, including inserting steel beams into a party wall.

If you're planning building works, you may need to serve a formal Party Wall Notice before starting. Equally, if you've received a notice from your neighbour, you have important rights under the Act.

Iceni Consultants can act for either the building owner or adjoining owner, providing impartial professional advice, preparing schedules of condition and agreeing Party Wall Awards where required.

Party Wall Advice

Iceni Consultants provides independent, professional advice on party wall matters throughout Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, East Anglia and London. Whether you're planning building works or have received a Party Wall Notice from a neighbour, we can guide you through your rights and responsibilities under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, helping to resolve matters efficiently and minimise disputes.

Our Process

Our approach is straightforward, professional and focused on resolving party wall matters efficiently.

1. Initial Consultation

We discuss your proposed building works or the Party Wall Notice you've received, review the circumstances and explain your rights and responsibilities under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

2. Notices and Advice

We advise on the appropriate notices, statutory timescales and available options, helping both building owners and adjoining owners understand the next steps.

3. Surveyor Appointment

Where surveyors need to be appointed under the Act, we guide you through the process, assess the proposed works and liaise with the other appointed surveyor where necessary.

4. Schedule of Condition and Party Wall Award

Where appropriate, we prepare a photographic schedule of condition and agree a Party Wall Award setting out how the works may proceed, including relevant safeguards for neighbouring properties.

5. Ongoing Support

We remain available to provide professional guidance on party wall matters as the project progresses.

Why Choose Iceni Consultants?

At Iceni Consultants, we combine practical construction knowledge with professional building surveying expertise to provide clear, independent advice on party wall matters.

We understand that building works can raise concerns for neighbouring property owners. Our approach is to explain the process clearly, maintain constructive communication between the parties and help resolve matters efficiently.

Whether you're undertaking building works or responding to a neighbour's proposals, we provide a professional, measured approach with an emphasis on protecting your interests and avoiding unnecessary disputes.

Need Advice on a Party Wall Matter?

Planning building works or received a Party Wall Notice from your neighbour? Contact Iceni Consultants for clear, independent advice on your rights, responsibilities and next steps.