If you're planning an extension and want to maximise your space, you might be wondering just how close you can build to your neighbour's property. While squeezing every inch out of your design is tempting, there are crucial legal and practical considerations you need to keep in mind.
The starting point is understanding property boundaries. Your property deeds will show the legal boundary of your land. Keep in mind that the physical fence or wall you see may not perfectly align with the legal boundary. Clarifying this early on is essential to prevent potential disputes.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996
If you're planning to build close to or directly on the boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 comes into play. This legislation protects both you and your neighbour by setting out a framework for resolving disputes about shared walls or building close to neighbouring properties.
Under the Act, you must serve a Party Wall Notice to your neighbour if your work involves:
Building a new wall at the boundary.
Excavating within 3-6 metres of your neighbour’s property, depending on the depth of your foundations.
Altering a shared wall.
Your neighbour has the right to agree or dissent. If they dissent, a Party Wall Surveyor(s) will be appointed to create an agreement (Party Wall Award) ensuring the work proceeds smoothly and fairly.
Minimum Distances from Fences and Extensions
Building regulations and planning permission guidelines often dictate how close you can build to an adjacent structure. Generally, as long as you remain within your property boundary, there may not be a strict limit on how close your new extension’s side wall can be to your neighbour’s fence or extension. However, precautions are necessary to avoid issues between foundations. For instance, a structural engineer might recommend inserting a rot-proof board between the two foundations to prevent direct contact.
If you plan to build close to your neighbour’s property there are practical challenges to consider. Maintenance access is crucial. Consider how you’ll maintain your extension side wall without trespassing onto your neighbour’s property. Additionally, a narrow gap between extensions can become a breeding ground for damp and mould. To avoid this, you might negotiate with your neighbour to create an overlap at roof level to prevent water from accumulating in the gap.
Don’t forget about overhangs. Rooflines often extend beyond the wall, so a gap that works for side walls might not accommodate roof overhangs. Ensuring your design accounts for this is essential.
Building close to the boundary can strain relationships with neighbours, so maintaining open communication and transparency is key. Navigating planning permissions, building regulations, and the Party Wall Act can be complex, but consulting experienced professionals such as party wall surveyors can simplify the process. They’ll ensure your project complies with legal requirements and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Comentarios