Track record

Party Wall advice for The Chapel, Clifton, Bristol

Lindley Ventures

Addressed Party Wall matters for a basement excavation adjacent to a chapel

Neighbourly Matters

Party Walls

Service

Residential

Industry

Dan Tapscott

The project

The project involved addressing Party Wall matters arising from a substantial basement excavation project adjacent to a chapel which had been painstakingly refurbished by our client (the Adjoining Owner) into their home, having retained many of its original features and characteristics. The neighbouring development posed many challenges and risks to the Adjoining Owner’s property which had to be safeguarded. Rapleys Neighbourly Matters team were instructed by Lindley Ventures as Adjoining Owner’s Party Wall Surveyor.

Our solution

We met with the Developer’s representative (the Building Owner’s Surveyor) to review the proposals leading to the agreement of a Party Wall Award. We then undertook inspections throughout the development to ensure the works were undertaken in accordance with the agreed terms of the Award.

Access to the site was incredibly narrow and the quantum of excavated material was substantial. Having overseen other excavation related projects in the locality, we were familiar with the rich iron content of the red soil which unfortunately led to dust becoming engrained on the adjoining owner’s property. In addition, numerous items of damage arose requiring rectification including dampness, damage to rendered surfaces and incoming services.

The developer was reluctant to engage and undertake the making good work which, after costing the scope of the repair works, led to the publishing of a further Award. Thereafter Rapleys and the Adjoining Owner initiated Magistrates Courts proceedings, at which point the developer relented and settled the claim plus the outstanding professional’s fees in full.

Rapleys extensive Party Wall experience safeguarded the Adjoining Owner’s position as intended. Our local knowledge of the site was also useful in anticipating and managing issues as they arose. The escalating of matters via the Magistrates Courts is relatively rare but proved successful under the circumstances.

Get in touch