When is an Award needed?
An Award is generally required where a dispute has arisen under the Act and the relevant matters need to be determined by surveyors.
Where an adjoining owner provides the necessary written consent and no statutory dispute requires determination, an Award may not be needed.
An Award is not simply another name for a Party Wall Notice.
Who prepares the Award?
Both owners may agree to appoint one impartial Agreed Surveyor.
Alternatively, each owner may appoint their own surveyor.
The surveyor or surveyors act under the Act and must approach the matter impartially, even where appointed by different owners.
What does an Award include?
Depending on the work and the dispute, an Award may address:
- The relevant notifiable works.
- The manner and timing of those works.
- Reasonable protective measures.
- Relevant access arrangements.
- A Schedule of Condition.
- Procedures for dealing with relevant damage.
- The allocation of reasonable surveyor costs.
The provisions must remain within the scope of the Act and matters properly arising from the dispute.
What an Award may address
Party Wall Award
- 1Notifiable works
- 2Protective measures
- 3Access arrangements
- 4Schedule of Condition
- 5Reasonable costs
Contents depend on the work and the dispute.
Does an Award grant planning permission?
No.
A Party Wall Award does not replace planning permission, Building Regulations approval, property ownership rights or other permissions required for the project.
These are separate matters.
From Notice to Award
What happens after an Award is served?
The relevant statutory requirements and Award provisions must be followed.
An Award is generally binding unless successfully challenged through the statutory appeal procedure.
Either owner has 14 days from service of the Award to appeal to the county court.
Anyone considering an appeal should obtain appropriate legal advice promptly.
What should you do next?
If your neighbour has dissented or appointed a surveyor, we can explain the next steps and provide our fixed fee for acting on your behalf.
Related guide: Consent or dissent to a Party Wall Notice?
Need a Party Wall Award for your project? Compare the surveyor routes, fees and next steps: Party Wall Award services & costs
