When a neighbour plans building work that could affect a shared wall, boundary, or nearby foundations, it’s normal to feel uncertain about what might happen to your property. A Party Wall Award is the Act’s main safeguard for adjoining owners: it sets clear, enforceable rules for how the works must be carried out and how any issues—particularly damage—will be dealt with.
What is a Party Wall Award?
A Party Wall Award is a formal document made under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 once a “dispute” arises—typically because the adjoining owner dissents to the notice or does not respond within the statutory timeframe. The Act then provides a surveyor-led procedure to resolve matters and agree the terms under which work may proceed.
The purpose isn’t to stop building work by default. It’s to ensure the building owner can carry out lawful works while protecting the adjoining owner’s property and rights through a structured, impartial process.
How an Award protects adjoining owners in practice
1) It clearly defines what work is permitted
A well-prepared Award sets boundaries. It will typically identify the notifiable works and reference the documents the works must follow (such as drawings and construction details). This helps avoid misunderstandings and “scope creep” once the project starts.
2) It records the condition of your property before work begins
Most Awards are supported by a Schedule of Condition—a detailed written and photographic record of relevant parts of the adjoining property before works commence. This is a major protection because it provides an evidence baseline if cracking or defects are later alleged to be caused by the works. Professional guidance recognises this as a routine and important part of good party wall practice.
3) It sets safeguards to reduce risk and disruption
Awards commonly include practical measures to reduce avoidable impact on the adjoining owner, such as requirements around working methods, protection measures, and managing nuisance (e.g., dust, noise, vibration) where appropriate. The intent is to prevent issues rather than argue about them afterwards.
4) It manages access properly (so it’s controlled and reasonable)
If access to the adjoining owner’s land is genuinely required for the notifiable works, the Award can set out how that access will be requested and managed—helping ensure access is organised, proportionate, and safe, rather than informal or pressured.
5) It creates a clear process for damage, repairs, and compensation
One of the most valuable protections for adjoining owners is that an Award typically establishes what happens if damage occurs—how it’s reported, inspected, assessed, and then resolved through making good or compensation. This reduces the chance of disputes turning personal or escalating into costly legal arguments.
6) It relies on impartial decision-making
Party wall surveyors are not meant to act as “hired guns.” The Award process is designed to be impartial and procedural—an important safeguard for adjoining owners who want assurance that decisions are based on reasonableness and risk, not neighbour pressure.
Is a Party Wall Award legally binding?
In practical terms, yes—the Award sets the framework both parties are expected to follow. If you believe an Award is incorrect, there is a formal right to appeal to the County Court within 14 days of receiving it (strict timelines apply).
What adjoining owners should look for in an Award
If you’re reviewing a draft Award, it’s sensible to check that it includes:
- a clear description of the works and the documents referenced
- a thorough Schedule of Condition (with good photos and location references)
- clear access procedures (if access is required)
- sensible safeguards and working arrangements
- a straightforward damage/repair process
Need help understanding an Award or protecting your position?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212 with a brief summary of the works and what stage you’re at (notice received / dissent / draft Award). We’ll explain what protections you should expect to see and how the process should work in practice.