Do My Neighbours Have to Agree to a Party Wall Notice ?

Here’s the short answer: No — but you still need to follow the law.

At Grandline Party Wall Surveyors, we guide homeowners, builders and architects across East London, Greater London and Essex through the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 — making sure your work is legal, neighbour-proof, and hassle-free.

🧱 What Is a Party Wall Notice?

A Party Wall Notice is a formal legal document you serve to your neighbours if your planned work affects:

A shared (party) wall

A boundary structure

Excavation near their foundations

You must serve notice at least 1 or 2 months in advance depending on the work. But here’s the catch — you’re not asking for permission, just notifying them under the Act.

⏳ What Happens If My Neighbour Ignores the Notice?

If they ignore the notice for 14 days, it’s considered a dispute under the Act. That means:

You must appoint a Party Wall Surveyor on their behalf if they do not respond to the follow up 10 Day Notice

Your neighbour can appoint their own — or agree to share one

The surveyor(s) will draft a Party Wall Award that lets the work go ahead safely

So even if they don’t respond, the law has a process to keep your project moving.

🚫 Can They Block the Work Completely?

No — not unless there’s a serious legal or structural issue.

Your neighbour can dissent, but they can’t just say "no" and stop the project. That only triggers the surveyor process.

🚧 What If I Skip the Party Wall Agreement?

Carrying out notifiable works without going through the process is risky. You could face:

Legal action or injunctions

Being forced to stop work

Liability for any damage

We always recommend doing it right the first time.

🔓 What If I Need Access to Their Land?

Under Section 8 of the Act, you may have the legal right to access their land for scaffolding, repairs, etc.

This must be included in your Party Wall Award, and done with proper notice.

🧑‍🏭 Can a Surveyor Override My Neighbour’s Objection?

Yes — and that’s their job.

The appointed Party Wall Surveyor(s) assess your plans, consider your neighbour’s concerns, and issue a legally binding Award that sets out:

What you’re allowed to do

How the work must be carried out

Protections for your neighbour’s property

📍 Areas We Cover

We’re based in East London but we work across all of London but mainly:

Newham – Stratford, East Ham, Plaistow, Forest Gate, Manor Park

Tower Hamlets – Bow, Whitechapel, Bethnal Green

Hackney

Redbridge – Ilford, Seven Kings, Gants Hill

Waltham Forest – Leyton, Leytonstone, Walthamstow

Barking & Dagenham

Essex – Romford, Dagenham, Loughton, Chigwell

Whether you’re building a loft in Ilford, a rear extension in Stratford, or excavating in Leyton, we’ve got you covered.

✅ Summary

Neighbours don’t have to agree — but you must serve notice.

No response = dispute → handled by surveyors.

Work can proceed legally with a proper Party Wall Award.

We handle notices, surveyor appointments, and everything in between.

📞 Speak to a Local Party Wall Expert

Looking for a Party Wall Surveyor in Newham or East London?

Call 020 7205 4854

We offer:

Free initial advice

Fast service

Fixed-fee quotes