Stage 1 — Notice service
The building owner serves a written notice on every adjoining owner. It must be posted or hand-delivered (email is permitted only with prior written consent). Day 0 is the date of service.
Stage 2 — Response window
The AO has fourteen days to consent or dissent. We email a free reminder letter on day thirteen. On day fourteen, no reply is treated as dissent.
Stage 3 — Consent path
If the AO consents, no surveyor is required. You may begin works once the statutory notice period has elapsed (one or two months depending on the section).
Stage 4 — Dissent path
The matter passes to surveyors. A Schedule of Condition is prepared, and a Party Wall Award is drafted. The Award binds both parties and either may appeal to the County Court within fourteen days.
Stage 5 — Works begin
Once the notice period has expired, or the Award is in place, works may begin in accordance with the Award's terms.