Legislation pertaining to party walls dates back to 1666, highlighted by the Great Fire of London, which underscored the necessity of reevaluating how walls between adjoining properties are constructed.
The London Rebuilding Act of 1667 was an initial attempt to address construction techniques. Subsequent acts such as the London Building Act of 1894 and the London Building Act of 1930 further refined and consolidated these regulations.
The 1930 Act was amended, leading to the establishment of the London Building Act of 1939, which included provisions for resolving disputes. This set the stage for the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which modernized terminology and extended its jurisdiction to encompass all of England and Wales.
Drafts of the Party Wall Bill were introduced to Parliament by John Lytton (the Earl of Litton) in 1995 and 1996. A surveyor by profession, the Earl played a crucial role in shaping the legislation. The bill was passed in 1996 and came into effect on July 1, 1997.
It outlines procedures to follow when undertaking building work that affects a party wall or involves excavations near neighbouring structures, as well as the construction of new boundary walls.
The Act enables owners to proceed with specified works while safeguarding the interests of those affected.
By mandating that building owners notify their neighbours in advance of any planned works, the Act aims to prevent or mitigate disputes. In cases where adjoining neighbours do not provide written consent to the proposed works, an appointed party wall surveyor or surveyors can determine the terms under which the works will proceed.
#partywallact #boundarywall #partywallnotice
Commentaires