Building Owner guidance
Planning Building Work in Kent?
If your extension, loft conversion, structural alteration or excavation is covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the correct notices must be served before notifiable work begins.
Your Building Owner Responsibilities
Planning permission and Building Regulations approval do not replace the Party Wall procedure. Where the Act applies, valid notice must be given separately.
1. Review the project
We examine drawings, foundations and structural details to identify notifiable work.
2. Serve valid notices
The correct Section 1, Section 3 or Section 6 notices are prepared for the relevant owners.
3. Manage responses
We explain consent, dissent, non-response and the appointment of surveyors.
What Happens After Notice?
An adjoining owner may consent, dissent and appoint a surveyor, or not reply. A lack of response does not mean consent. The Act provides a process for appointing surveyors and agreeing a Party Wall Award where required.
Serving notices early gives the best chance of resolving matters before the planned start date.
Before contacting us
- Gather architectural drawings
- Obtain structural details if available
- Confirm neighbouring addresses
- Allow time before work starts
- Keep communication with neighbours constructive
Building Owner FAQs
Can my neighbour stop the work?
A dissent does not usually prevent lawful work. It activates the statutory dispute-resolution process.
How much notice is required?
Depending on the work, the statutory notice period is normally one or two months.
Can I serve notice myself?
Yes, but an incorrect notice can be invalid. Professional review reduces avoidable delay.
Should I obtain a Schedule of Condition?
It is often sensible even where a neighbour consents, particularly for excavation or structural work.
Need Party Wall Advice in Kent?
Send us your drawings or tell us about the proposed work for clear, practical guidance.