Track record

Fallowfield Retail Park, Manchester

Provision of invaluable Party Wall advice to enable the construction of a new retail unit

Party Walls

Service

Retail & Leisure

Industry

Dan Tapscott

The project

A well-known discount retailer had purchased a significant interest in this 1980s retail park to the South of Manchester, at which they were intending to construct a new store following obtaining planning permission (via the assistance of Rapleys’ Town Planning team).

A particular architectural feature on the retail park were projecting eaves roof structures and in one area was a projecting canopy/link structure over a busy road.

The proposals for the new store meant this link structure had to be removed. In doing so, as the structure was connected to a neighbouring property, this triggered the provisions of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Notification needed to be served on the relevant Adjoining Owners. However, whilst the notice outlined the right to demolish this shared structure, little detail was available at the outset surrounding the necessary making good works or physically how the work would be undertaken whilst the Adjoining Owners business continued to operate during the course of the works.

Rapleys’ Building Surveying team was able to assist with the coordination of the design of the section of roof infill and scope of rainwater goods works, whilst discussions surrounding works coordination and review of the contractor’s method statements were undertaken.

Our solution

Rapleys undertook searches to identify the relevant Adjoining Owners via HM Land Registry.

The decision was taken, due to the unusual nature of the works, to supply the Adjoining Owner with detailed proposals from the outset. This required liaison with the various members of the project team, and it soon became apparent that the available information was limited.

Indicative sketches were used to illustrate the proposals and the notices were served.

One of the Adjoining Owners appointed a surveyor, and negotiations of the Award commenced. A photographic Schedule of Condition was undertaken.

In conjunction, Rapleys Building Surveying team assisted with the production of the detailed technical information to help the contractor.

The Award was then successfully negotiated and published, enabling the works to commence whilst providing the necessary protection and assurance to the Adjoining Owner.

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