How does the Party Wall Act affect civil and structural engineers?

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]