Extensions

Neighbour building extension without Party Wall Agreement

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 2.44 PM

We came home today to discover our neighbour has started building an extension out the back of their property. We live in a semi detached town house in London and share a party wall with them. We were not provided notice of the works. We're now worried because the works have started without a party wall agreement. When we look at the wall that has been put up it looks like wood and has a brick-looking covering (cheap basically). It also is set back a few inches from the fence which separates our properties. Added complication is that the extension is being built within a foot or 2 of a manhole cover, on our side. The neighbour is doing it himself. As far as I know they have to apply for a PWA 2 months before starting the work. We're wondering if maybe they don't know this (good option) or they're perhaps trying to get around it by not digging foundations. But if it's the latter, is that not a problem in itself? So my questions are: what do I do if they're building an extension (3m) without a foundation? Should I be worried? And secondly, even if that's what they are doing, do you still need a party wall agreement when the works are that close?