Civil and structural engineers need to understand how the Party Wall etc, Act 1996 affects them in their work. If they don't they can be made to look foolish or even be considered negligent
A large proportion of complaints against engineers to disciplinary panels come from their lack of knowledge of the Party Wall Act. Its title is misleading as it applies not just to party walls but to excavations up to 6m from nearby buildings. The "etc". is an important part of the title.
The previous similar legislation applied only to central London but in 1997 it was extended throughout England and Wales, affecting a much larger number of engineers. The Act has assumed greater importance for engineers since the fashion for constructing new basements under existing terraced houses has taken hold, especially in London.
This short guidance note includes direction on:
The scope of the Act
- New party walls
- Existing party walls
- 3m and 6m notices
- Floors as party structures
The role of the engineer
- Client's design engineer
- Engineer advisor to adjoining owners' surveyor
Other references and the Act itself must be consulted.
Further information
The following material should also be read:
- Party wall legislation and procedure, guidance note, 6th edition 2011, RICS
- Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Residential Basement Study Report, Alan Baxter, March 2013
Contact
For further information, please contact: [email protected]
ICE intelligent assets for tomorrow
Content type: Best practice
Last updated: 04 July 2022
You may also be interested in
- Type
- Webinar
Lessons from Uganda’s first cable-stayed bridge: design review, construction supervision, and the role of the employer’s representative
- Type
- Lecture
Smeaton lecture 2026: The UK’s leadership in wing technology – is this the aerodynamic legacy of John Smeaton?
The annual Smeaton Lecture, delivered this year by Sir Iain Gray, will explore the link between the work of John Smeaton and the UK’s proud history of aerospace innovation. It will focus on the key role that Bristol has played in the industry’s development.
- Type
- Lecture
ICE Strategy Session: PAS adoption, impact and promotion
Join our Strategy Session to learn about the promotion, adoption and impact of three key industry standards: PAS 2080 (carbon management), PAS 3090 (climate adaptation) and PAS 4010 (productivity).