Not necessarily—at least not in the way most people mean it.
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the word “dispute” is often a technical/legal label rather than a sign of a falling-out. In everyday life, a dispute sounds like an argument. Under the Act, it usually just means the matter has moved into the next stage of the process where surveyor(s) are appointed to put safeguards in place.
When the Act treats it as a dispute
A “dispute” is deemed to exist if you serve a valid Party Wall Notice and the adjoining owner:
- Dissents (objects) within 14 days, or
- Does not respond within 14 days (silence is treated as dissent)
That’s it. Your neighbour can be perfectly friendly and still dissent—often because they want the reassurance of a formal document and a proper record of condition.
Why neighbours often dissent even when they aren’t “against” the work
Many adjoining owners dissent because they want:
- A Schedule of Condition (photos and notes recording existing cracks/defects before work starts)
- Clear wording about how work will be done, including working hours and protection measures
- A process for access (if access is needed)
- A clear method for handling damage if it occurs
- An impartial professional involved so they don’t feel they’re “signing something blind”
So, a dissent can be more like “I’m not comfortable consenting without safeguards” rather than “I’m trying to stop your project.”
What happens after a “dispute” is triggered
Once a dispute exists, the Act provides a structured route forward:
- An Agreed Surveyor can be appointed (one surveyor acting impartially for both owners), or
- Each party appoints their own surveyor, who then agree the terms together
- The surveyor(s) produce a Party Wall Award, setting out how the work proceeds and how risks are managed
This is often a practical way to keep the project moving while protecting both sides.
Why the term matters
The Act needs a clear legal “switch” that allows surveyors to step in and produce a binding agreement. The word “dispute” is that switch—so it’s best to think of it as a process step, not a personal conflict.
Need help explaining this to a neighbour or working through a dissent?
Email mail@howorth.uk and we can guide you on the best approach for your project.