Jason Edworthy Stanford-le-Hope—your local Party Wall Surveyor, keeping projects compliant and on track.
If you’re planning to dig foundations or carry out excavation work near a neighbour’s property, there’s a good chance that Section 6 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies to your project.
This law is designed to protect both you and your neighbours when major ground or foundation work is carried out close to shared or adjoining walls and structures.
A Section 6 Party Wall dispute arises when excavation work is planned near a neighbour’s property—typically within 3 to 6 metres—and either:
These disputes can delay construction, increase costs, and lead to legal complications.
As a Party Wall Surveyor, Jason Edworthy can prevent the Section 6 disputes by:
1. Issuing accurate Section 6 Notices within the specified timeframes
We make sure they’re all legally compliant and delivered to your neighbours quickly.
2. Clearly communicating with your neighbours about the process
Uncertainty breeds concern: No one wants to have that conversation with the adjacent owner. Communication is critical to developing trust from adjoining owners
3. Prompting on responsibilities with the law
We step you through the Party Wall Act so you are clear on what is in place before any work commences.
4. Serving as a neutral mediator if necessary
If your neighbour hires their own surveyor, we deal with any issues quickly and professionally.
5. Preparing fair and thorough Party Wall Agreements (Awards)
These documents set expectations, protect both parties, and help avoid future problems.
With Jason Edworthy on your side, you can move forward confidently—knowing everything is handled legally and respectfully.
When you dig close to a neighbour’s property, you need to follow the rules set by Section 6 of the Party Wall Act.
You must pay close attention to the law when doing this work.
This part ensures that if you plan to dig foundations or trenches near a shared border, you must let your neighbours know before you start the work.
Giving proper notice and getting agreement helps avoid fights, keeps both properties safe, and ensures your project stays on time.
Not following these rules can lead to delays. It can also cause legal problems. Your relationship with neighbours may get worse, too.
At Jason Edworthy, we are your local Party Wall Surveyors provider. We help you follow the right steps for your project. This way, you can avoid problems and feel sure as you build.
Section 6 of the Party Wall Act is vital because it protects the rights and safety of both builders and homeowners when excavation or foundation work is carried out near shared property boundaries.
For builders, Section 6 requires them to issue the correct legal notices to neighbours before beginning any excavation activity at the site that could affect their neighbouring property. By doing this, we also prevent unexpected objections, lengthy delays, or legal disputes that can bring a project to a standstill. It also assists with risk management by specifying who is responsible for what and what action will be taken if damage occurs.
Section 6 provides important protections for homeowners by ensuring they are notified of works nearby that could affect their property.
Wise enough to allow them to bring things up so that when work finally comes around, it can be properly dealt with, and their house is safe in the meantime.
By following Section 6, both parties benefit from clear communication, reduced misunderstandings, and a fair process that helps maintain good neighbourly relations.
This legal framework keeps projects running smoothly, protects property values, and provides a clear path to resolving any issues—making it crucial for construction or excavation near a neighbouring property.