BOUNDARY PROBLEMS

For some strange reason, people seem to think that planning lawyers deal with boundary disputes. We don’t.

If you have a boundary dispute, you need a property lawyer (and you may also need the assistance of a surveyor) to advise you on the practical and legal solution of your boundary problem.

Another boundary-related problem can arise when a neighbour wishes to build right up to your boundary. This may raise issues under the Party Wall Act, and you may receive a Party Wall Act Notice from your neighbour or their surveyor. You should certainly seek professional advice in that situation, but not from a lawyer. This is very much the business of a Building Surveyor, and you should seek the services of a Chartered Surveyor who has practical experience of dealing with Party Wall Act issues.

This website could help you find a surveyor to advise you on such matters: https://www.ricsfirms.com/helplines

It may seem strange that a lawyer should turn away potential work, but it really is a question of ‘horses for courses’. Planning lawyers can advise on planning matters that raise issues of planning law, but you really need the right sort of professional for the job, and this may not necessarily be a lawyer.