If you or a neighbour plan a kitchen extension, loft conversion, internal reconfiguration or basement excavation, the work may fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

The Act, for England and Wales, lets owners carry out work while protecting neighbours from damage or unnecessary disruption. It covers three main types of notifiable work:

• Altering party structures (shared walls between terraced/semi-detached houses or flats)

• Excavating within 3.0 m of an adjoining structure to a deeper level than its foundations

• Building new walls on or up to the boundary

If the Act applies, the building owner must serve notice and get the adjoining owner’s consent. If consent is withheld, a dispute exists and each side appoints a surveyor to agree a party wall award. Neighbours must not suffer unnecessary inconvenience and should be compensated for loss or damage. The building owner has certain rights, including reasonable access to neighbouring land where needed to carry out the work.