The Party Wall etc Act 1996 provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings.

Any neighbours whose foundations are within 3 metres (or 6 metres for deeper foundations) from the proposed construction have the right to appoint an independent surveyor to monitor the construction work for them.The appointment of a Party Wall Surveyor will incur an expense that will need to be paid

for by you (as you are the Party conducting the construction work).Your obligation is to serve notices to your affected neighbours at least 1 month or 2 months (depending on the type of work being undertaken) before building work is due to start. (The notice is valid for a year).Your neighbour then returns an acknowledgment to the notice and to say whether or not they wish to have a Party Wall Surveyor appointed.