Securing consent to a Party Wall Notice is rarely about “persuasion”. In most cases, adjoining owners consent when they feel three things are in place:
- Clarity — they understand what you’re doing and why
- Reassurance — their property will be protected and any issues will be dealt with fairly
- Control — they won’t be left chasing answers once the builders arrive
The aim is to make consenting feel like the sensible, low-stress option—without putting pressure on your neighbour or cutting corners on the legal process.
1) Start with a conversation before the notice lands
A formal notice arriving without warning often triggers an automatic dissent. A brief, polite conversation beforehand can change the tone completely.
What to cover:
- what you’re planning (in plain English)
- your likely start date and duration
- the noisiest phases (demolition, excavation, steels) and how you’ll manage them
- who your main point of contact will be during the build
If you can, show a simple drawing or visual. People feel calmer when they can “see” the proposal.
2) Make the notice easy to understand
Many notices fail because they read like a legal document with no practical explanation. Even where the notice is technically correct, vague wording can make neighbours uneasy.
A strong approach is to include:
- a short covering letter that summarises the works in everyday language
- clear drawings (existing + proposed)
- key structural details where relevant (beam positions, foundation depth, excavation line)
- a realistic proposed start date (not “next week”)
Clarity reduces uncertainty—and uncertainty drives dissent.
3) Offer a Schedule of Condition upfront
If you want to increase the likelihood of consent, this is one of the most effective steps.
A Schedule of Condition is a dated photographic and written record of the adjoining property before work begins. It protects both sides:
- the neighbour feels reassured their home is being taken seriously
- you have evidence if a damage allegation arises later
In many cases, neighbours dissent simply to ensure this is done. If you offer it voluntarily, consent becomes more likely.
4) Explain what “consent” does (and doesn’t) mean
Neighbours sometimes think consenting removes their rights. Reassure them calmly that:
- consenting does not mean they accept damage or disruption
- they still have the right to raise concerns
- you still remain responsible for making good any damage caused
What they’re agreeing to is the work proceeding without a formal Award—so your job is to replace that fear with practical reassurance.
5) Be proactive about the two biggest worries: damage and disruption
Most adjoining owners care about the same things:
- “Will my house crack?”
- “Will I be able to live normally while this happens?”
Address both head-on:
- explain protective steps (temporary support, weatherproofing, vibration and dust controls)
- confirm working hours and noise management
- give them a named person to contact if they’re worried
If you can provide your contractor’s site rules (deliveries, skips, keeping shared areas clear), even better.
6) Keep your tone respectful—avoid “legal pressure”
It’s tempting to say, “You can’t stop me.” That approach often guarantees dissent.
A better tone is:
- cooperative
- organised
- calm
- solutions-focused
Your neighbour is more likely to consent when they feel you’re taking responsibility, not trying to “win.”
7) Timing: don’t serve notices at the last minute
Even neighbours who would have consented may dissent if they feel rushed.
To maximise consent:
- serve notice early enough that they have time to read it properly
- avoid proposing a start date that feels unrealistic
- be available to answer questions promptly within the response window
8) If they’re unsure, offer the “Agreed Surveyor” option (without pushing)
Some adjoining owners won’t consent without formal oversight. In those cases, a calm compromise is to explain that if they dissent, you can often use one Agreed Surveyor (where suitable) to keep costs and time proportionate.
The message is:
- “You don’t have to consent if you’re uncomfortable—there’s a structured, fair route as well.”
Ironically, that reassurance can sometimes lead to consent anyway.
A practical consent checklist
Before you serve the notice, ask yourself:
- Have I spoken to them first?
- Is the description clear and supported by drawings?
- Have I offered a Schedule of Condition?
- Have I explained working hours and disruption controls?
- Have I provided a contact and committed to responding quickly?
- Is the proposed start date realistic?
If the answer is “yes” to most of the above, your chances of consent improve significantly.
Need help improving consent rates?
If you’d like help presenting your notice professionally and reducing the likelihood of dissent, email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212. Share a brief description of the works and your proposed start date, and we’ll advise what to include, how to approach your neighbour, and how to keep the process proportionate and compliant.