Party Wall Process Made Simple: Protect Your Build and Keep Neighbours Happy

One of the most common concerns we hear from homeowners planning an extension is:

“What if my neighbour tries to stop the build?”

The good news is: they usually can’t — especially if you follow the correct process.
But if your plans affect a shared boundary, party wall, or involve excavation near a neighbour’s property, you’ll likely need to serve a Party Wall Notice — and potentially obtain a Party Wall Award too.

In this guide, we’ll explain what Party Wall Notices are, when you need them, what to do if your neighbour rents (or lives in a council or housing association property), and how Plan It UK can help you keep things legal and stress-free.

What Is a Party Wall Notice, and When Is It Required?

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a piece of UK law that protects both you and your neighbours when construction affects a party wall (a shared wall), boundary, or nearby foundations.

You’ll usually need to serve a Party Wall Notice if you are:

• Building on or near a boundary line
  

• Excavating within 3 metres (or in some cases 6 metres) of a neighbouring structure

• Cutting into, altering, or building off a shared party wall, such as for a loft conversion or side extension

This isn’t about asking for permission to extend — it’s about agreeing how the work is carried out to avoid damage and disputes.

Party Wall Notice vs. Party Wall Award: What’s the Difference?

Party Wall Notice
A formal letter notifying your neighbour about the building work. They can either:

• Consent, meaning work can start after 14 days, or

• Dissent, which means surveyors must be involved

Party Wall Award
If surveyors are required, they’ll prepare a legal document (the Award) setting out:

• How the work will be carried out

• What protections are needed

• Who pays for what

• What happens if any damage occurs

At Plan It UK, we work with an experienced Party Wall Consultant who has supported hundreds of successful extensions across the UK.

Can My Neighbour Stop My Extension by Refusing a Party Wall Notice?

No — they can’t block your extension just by objecting to a Party Wall Notice.

If you’ve:

• Secured Planning Permission (if required)

• Gained Building Control Approval
  

• Served the correct Party Wall Notice(s)
  

…then your project is legally protected.

If your neighbour dissents, the process simply involves surveyors to agree an Award. It may take a bit more time and budget, but it shouldn’t stop your project from going ahead.

What If My Neighbour Doesn’t Own Their Property?

This is an often-overlooked detail — but an important one.

If your neighbour rents their home, you’ll need to identify the legal owner of the property and serve the Party Wall Notice to them.

If your neighbour is a private tenant:

• You must send the Notice to the landlord or freeholder, not the tenant.

• It’s still worth having a friendly chat with the tenant to avoid friction, but legally, only the property owner needs to respond.

If your neighbour is in a council or housing association property:

• The council or housing association is the legal owner and must receive the Notice.

• Some housing bodies may require additional forms or legal processes, which can take a little longer and incur additional fees, so it’s worth starting early.

We’ll help you identify the correct legal contact and manage this process for you — ensuring there are no delays or mistakes.

How to Get Your Neighbour on Board (Even If They’re Unsure)

At Plan It UK, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners build with confidence and minimal neighbour drama.
Here’s how to keep things friendly:

• Speak to your neighbour early
  As soon as your planning application is in, pop round for a quick chat. People appreciate hearing about it from you, not the council.

• Share visuals and plans
  Most neighbours feel more comfortable when they can see what you’re proposing.

• Listen and reassure
  Even if you can’t change your plans, being open to concerns goes a long way. If you’re working with us, you can reassure them that you’re being guided by an experienced architectural practice.

• Use a good Party Wall Consultant
  A calm, experienced consultant can defuse tension and make sure everything is handled fairly for both sides.

Party Wall Process: Step-by-Step Timeline

1. Planning application submitted (if required)

2. Friendly chat with your neighbour

3. Party Wall Notice served (we can arrange this for you)

4. Neighbour consents → work begins after 14 days

OR

4. Neighbour dissents → surveyors appointed

5. Party Wall Award agreed → work begins

We manage this entire process as part of your design journey — keeping you compliant and confident.

Final Thoughts

If your extension affects a boundary wall or is close to a neighbour’s property, you’ll likely need to deal with the Party Wall process. It might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

At Plan It UK, we guide you through the whole thing — from drawings to Notices to final Award — helping your project stay legal, on time, and on good terms with the people next door.

Planning a loft conversion, rear extension or side return?

Get in touch today — we’ll design it, provide guidance on all costs, gain approvals, and navigate the Party Wall process with ease.

Contact us or book in your free consultation to get a quote for your project.