Party Walls and Neighbours

---

 Philip Smith regularly acts both for developers and neighbouring owners through appointments under the Party Wall etc Act (1996).

As a seasoned Party Wall specialist and longstanding member of the Pyramus & Thisbe Club, Philip uses his knowledge of the Act and relevant case law, combined with many years' experience to advise owners and developers clearly and thoroughly on their rights and duties under the Act, and to ensure their property interest is safeguarded as far as the Act allows.

​Philip is often asked to prepare an Initial Appraisal for developers of complex sites who require upfront advice on budget, and on the extent of boundary issues and access rights with regard to neighbouring properties (please see below). 

He also advises in general Neighbourly Matters in a broader context, including rights to light, boundary disputes and on access agreements for scaffolding or crane oversailing, and advice on Access to Neighbouring Land Act (1992).

Where appropriate, I provide monitoring and technical due dillidgence of neighbour developments.

'Party Walls' explained, by Philip Smith

TBC

 Disputes over boundaries are common where new and existing sites are developed, and boundaries have not been adequately documented. The Land Registry service provides only an indication of the exact Line of Junction, so it is often necessary to seek professional advice.

 A right to light is an easement acquired through twenty years' uninterrupted benefit. The right applies to windows and other apertures. However, the right applies only to a very small area of the skydome.

I will provide a basic, but detailed Stage One Rights to Light Assessment of your property which will advise you whether or not you have grounds to make a claim.