Track record

33 Beach Road West, Portishead, Bristol

Private Client

Acting for the Building Owner to enable the redevelopment of a dilapidated residential site

Party Walls

Service

Residential

Industry

Dan Tapscott

The project

Our client purchased the existing two-storey dwelling which had been granted planning approval to be demolished and for a new home to be constructed of a similar height, but with additional accommodation constructed at basement/lower ground level.

The plot had remained vacant and in an unsightly, dilapidated state for a number of years.

The site was within a reasonable distance from the neighbouring properties either side of the plot. The neighbours were very concerned about the impending development, having raised objections toward the former owners during the planning phase.

Our clients were very mindful of this and wanted to maintain good neighbourly relations, especially as they intended for this project to be their own residence.

A detailed initial review of the proposals confirmed that the development triggered the provisions of the Party Wall etc., Act 1996 for one Adjoining Owner but not the other.

Partner & Head of Neighbourly Matters – Building Consultancy

Dan Tapscott

We worked with our private client to to ensure that neighbourly relations were maintained despite initial worries from the neighbouring properties of the impact of the redevelopment of this site. Our team provided regular communication to all Adjoining Owners to ensure that the Awards were published enabling the works to commence.

Our solution

Rapleys undertook a search to confirm the relevant Adjoining Owner at 31 Beach Road West via HM Land Registry.

The decision was taken that as well as serving notice for no. 31, that for no. 35, we would write to them to explain why no notification was warranted. In addition, a discussion to go through any queries or concerns was offered as well as preparing a photographic schedule of condition prior to the commencement of the works. The neighbours at no. 35 took up this offer and the proposals and the relevance of the Act were discussed to the owner’s satisfaction.

In the case of no. 31, a schedule of condition was prepared and an Award was drafted. As part of the review process we appointed an independent advising engineer whose feedback regarding the structural engineer’s proposals and contractor’s methodology led to some changes in the design in order to ensure the neighbouring property was safeguarded. The Award was published enabling the works to proceed.

“We were really impressed with the professional service we received from Rapleys. Dan took time to explain the end-to-end process in plain English and worked with us and our neighbours to answer any questions so that we could reach an agreement that everyone was happy with.”

Private Client

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