On 26 Oct, 12:27, Tony Bryer wrote:
On Sun, 26 Oct 2008 04:03:59 -0700 (PDT) *wrote :

I submitted an application to the local council for a single storey
extension within allowed limits - only so I could have a 100% rubber
stamp that it was permitted.

As the application is public info I've now received a letter from some
party wall surveying firm warning me of complications of this and
that. They've also kindly sent letters to my neighbours - how nice of
them!

Now, obviously these **** stirrers find this a good way of scaring
people and making money but where do I stand? I know I have to give
notice to neighbours but providing works are done to a satisfactory
standard can they stop me from doing it?

No they cannot prevent you from doing the work, merely ensure that the
work is carried out in a way that will not affect the party wall and/or
adjacent structure. Unfortunately their surveyor's fee is down to you,
but if it is non-contentious the same surveyor can, if they agree, act
for you and them. Basically it comes down to looking at what is proposed
to identify any issues, and compiling a schedule of condition of the
relevant walls etc. This does act as some protection for you, since if
there are cracks etc there already they will be noted on the schedule
and you/your builder cannot be blamed for them at a later date.

If the current edition is as good as its predecessors, 'Party Walls and
what to do with them' is a book well worth buying.

--
Tony Bryer, *'Software to build on' *www.superbeam.co.uk

Thanks for the info.