Not exactly, but you do have rights. If your neighbour wants to carry out building work that affects a shared (party) wall, they’re legally required to serve you with a Party Wall Notice.
You can’t simply stop the work altogether if it complies with the Party Wall Act, but you can challenge how and when the work is done, especially if it might affect your property.
Survey One Leighton Buzzard help you understand your position and ensure your voice is heard. You don’t have to face it alone or feel pressured into agreeing to something you’re not comfortable with.
Is My Neighbour Even Allowed to Build on the Party Wall Without Asking Me?
No, they’re not. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, your neighbour must serve you with formal notice before starting any work that affects a shared wall, boundary, or structure.
If they go ahead without informing you, they’re breaking the law—and that’s a serious problem. You have every right to challenge it and get the process back on track legally. What to do if your neighbouring development is blocking your light?
We step in to guide you through the correct steps and help protect your rights and your property.
Do I Really Have the Power to Say No to Their Building Plans Leighton Buzzard?
You can’t say a flat-out “no” if their plans are within the legal framework of the Party Wall Act. But here’s the good news: you’re not powerless. See Our Expert Advice on Navigating Party Wall Disputes
You can dissent to the notice and request a party wall surveyor to assess the impact of the work. This doesn’t mean you’re being difficult—it means you’re taking the right steps to make sure everything is done properly, fairly, and safely.
Survey One Leighton Buzzard ensures your interests are protected and that nothing is agreed until you’re confident and comfortable.
What Should I Do the Moment I Get a Party Wall Notice Leighton Buzzard?
Don’t ignore it. The clock starts ticking the moment that notice lands in your letterbox. You have 14 days to respond.
You can:
- Give written consent if you’re happy with the plans.
- Dissent and agree to appoint a joint surveyor.
- Dissent and appoint your own surveyor.
If you’re unsure which way to go, talk to us at Survey One Leighton Buzzard. We’ll explain your options in plain English and help you respond confidently.
What If I Don’t Respond to the Party Wall Notice — Is That a Mistake?
Yes, unfortunately, it is. If you don’t respond within 14 days, it’s automatically treated as a dissent, meaning you’re seen as not agreeing with the works. See Here What to Do If Your Neighbour Has not Responded to a Party Wall Notice?
This then triggers the process of appointing surveyors, whether you were ready for it or not. To avoid unnecessary delays and confusion, it’s always better to reply in time, and we’re here to help you decide the best course of action before that deadline hits.
How Do I Raise a Formal Objection Without Creating Conflict?
It’s all about how you handle it. You have every right to raise concerns—especially if the work could impact your home—but it doesn’t need to turn into a neighbourly war.
A formal dissent through a party wall surveyor is a professional and calm way of saying: “I’m not against you, but I want things done properly.”
Survey One Leighton Buzzard acts as a neutral middle ground. We make sure your concerns are formally recorded and dealt with, without creating unnecessary tension between you and your neighbour.
Can I Legally Stop the Building Work — or Just Delay It?
You can’t stop lawful work that follows the Party Wall Act, but you can delay it if the correct process hasn’t been followed.
For example, if your neighbour started building without serving notice, that’s not allowed. In that case, you can legally challenge it and halt the work until everything is sorted.Even when notice has been served, surveyors need time to assess things and create a Party Wall Award.
That process ensures work doesn’t begin until it’s safe and fair to both sides. Survey One Leighton Buzzard can help pause the work if procedures aren’t followed correctly
How Do I Know If My Neighbour Is Following the Party Wall Act Properly Leighton Buzzard?
It’s not always obvious, especially if you’re not familiar with the legal side of things. But here are a few red flags:
- You didn’t receive a formal Party Wall Notice.
- The work starts suddenly, without any agreement.
- You feel pressured into signing something unclear.
If you’re seeing any of this, it’s best to speak to a party wall expert. At Survey One Leighton Buzzard, we’ll review what’s happening and tell you, honestly, whether everything’s above board—or if your neighbour’s skipping steps they shouldn’t.
How Do I Protect My Property From Damage During Their Work?
The key is getting a Schedule of Condition done before any work starts. This is a detailed report (with photos) that records the exact state of your property beforehand.
That way, if something gets damaged during the works—like cracks in walls, damp patches, or structural shifts—you’ve got clear proof of what was there before.
This report is part of the Party Wall Award, and at Survey One Leighton Buzzard, we always make sure it’s carried out thoroughly. It protects you if anything goes wrong, and makes resolving damage claims much easier.
What Kind of Evidence Should I Keep in Case of Future Disputes?
Even if things seem fine now, it’s smart to keep a few key pieces of evidence just in case something crops up later.
Here’s what we recommend:
- A copy of the original Party Wall Notice
- Your response to the notice (whether consent or dissent)
- The Party Wall Award document
- The Schedule of Condition report
- Any emails, texts, or letters between you and your neighbour
- Photos or videos of your property before and after the work
We help you stay organised and make sure everything’s properly documented. It’s not about expecting trouble—it’s about being ready, just in case.
For Further Information Please Contact Us Today Leighton Buzzard!