Section 1 Line of Junction Works

Introduction

If you are building a new wall up to or astride the boundary line, Section 1 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply.

This commonly affects:

• Rear extensions
• Side return extensions
• Garden walls built at the boundary
• New detached garden rooms near the boundary

As Party Wall Surveyors acting across North London and Hertfordshire, we regularly advise both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners on Section 1 matters.

What Are Section 1 Works?

Section 1 applies where a new wall is being built:

1. Up to the boundary line (but entirely on your land)
2. Astride the boundary (shared ownership wall)

If you are building a wall wholly on your own land but at the boundary, you must still serve notice under Section 1.

When Is Notice Required?

You must serve a Line of Junction Notice at least one month before works begin if:

• The new wall will sit at the boundary line
• You intend to build astride the boundary

Failure to serve notice can expose you to injunction risk.

What Happens If The Neighbour Consents?

If your neighbour consents in writing within 14 days:

• No Award is required
• Works can proceed after the notice period
• We would still recommend a Schedule of Condition

This keeps matters straightforward and avoids unnecessary fees.

What If The Neighbour Dissents Or Does Not Respond?

If the neighbour:

• Dissents
• Fails to reply within 14 days

A dispute is deemed to have arisen under the Act.

At this stage:

• Each party appoints a surveyor, or
• One Agreed Surveyor is appointed

An Award is then prepared regulating the works.

Can I Force A Wall Astride The Boundary?

No.

If the neighbour refuses consent to build astride the boundary, you must build the wall wholly on your own land.

This is a common misconception and an area where early advice can prevent design delays.

What Does It Cost?

Our typical fees:

• Serving Line of Junction Notice – £50 + VAT
• Agreed Surveyor Award – from £699 + VAT
• Schedule of Condition only – from £350 + VAT

(You may want to tweak these slightly depending on your current pricing.)

Why Early Advice Matters

We regularly see situations where:

• Architects incorrectly advise no notice is required
• Foundations encroach unintentionally
• Boundary positions are assumed rather than confirmed

Early professional advice avoids delay, neighbour disputes and cost escalation.

Speak To A Section 1 Party Wall Surveyor

If you are planning a rear extension or new boundary wall, we can quickly advise whether Section 1 applies and what your next steps should be.

Contact Us for a Quote

For a quick online quote for Party Wall advice, send us the details of your project.

Or need advise straight away, please call us and one of our team will be pleased to assist you.

Areas We Cover
Christopher Anthony Surveyors provide professional Party Wall Surveyor services across London and the surrounding areas, including Hackney, Islington, Camden, Haringey, North London, East London, South London, West London, Bexley, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and Kent.

Our coverage also extends to Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Enfield, Barnet, Southwark, Greenwich, Lewisham, Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth, Hammersmith & Fulham, Wandsworth, Merton, Kingston upon Thames, Ealing, Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Richmond upon Thames, and Sutton.

We continue to expand our reach — explore your local area page to learn more about Party Wall services near you.