Hi Conor, re EDF, Jim mentioned a possibile contact in his latest email
"Kirsty and I have a possible contact at EDF - who are notoriously
hard to reach – who we might be able to use to sort out the
communications blockage."

I will confirm the meeting with Orange for the 10th tomorrow morning,
since no one has objected so far and judging by the general mood of
members, answers are indeed required.

gianmarco

I propose that we all write to EDF to object to them about the mast.

Has anyone already aquired contact details for this?

conor

My very first google search has turned up a report via the BBC saying that
3G masts are bad news here is the link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3157676.stm

If you have trouble accessing this link then copy and past it in full to
your browser.

conor

We are not happy at all with this alternative proposal.  Really, does it need to go up anywhere in the direct area?  We already have that huge mast to contend with, as well as the sub-station behind us with it’s attached aerials.

Can they not put in in a different area altogether?  

We are concerned that we already have to put up with high doses of radiation etc from the aforementioned masts and antennae.

It’s only a few feet further away from us than the original proposed site at No. 36 Southwell Road, so all our arguments against this site would apply to the 2nd proposed site – we would still be forced to leave our home given the large amount of radiation that we’d be exposed to.

We think Orange should try harder and consider more neutral sites.

Just because the aerial is not so immediately visible doesn’t mean the health hazards are removed.

Michelle & Conor
40 Southwell Road



On 20/6/06 11:57, "gianmarco delre" <gianmarcodelre@...> wrote:

What do people think?
  gianmarco
  ps I'll cc the rest of the group asap.

Note: forwarded message attached.

 

---

Try the all-new Yahoo! Mail <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/mail/uk/taglines/default/nowyoucan/wall_st_2/*http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=40565/*http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html>  . "The New Version is radically easier to use" ? The Wall Street Journal

What do people think?
  gianmarco
  ps I'll cc the rest of the group asap.

What do people think?
  gianmarco
  ps I'll cc the rest of the group asap.

Note: forwarded message attached.

 

---

Try the all-new Yahoo! Mail <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/mail/uk/taglines/default/nowyoucan/wall_st_2/*http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=40565/*http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html>  . "The New Version is radically easier to use" ? The Wall Street Journal

Well it's better visually, but I'd like to know what the difference
is in radiation, as Conor has just mentioned. - Trista

On 20 Jun 2006, at 11:57, gianmarco delre wrote:

> What do people think?
> gianmarco
> ps I'll cc the rest of the group asap.
>

What do people think?
  gianmarco
  ps I'll cc the rest of the group asap.

Note: forwarded message attached.

Paul/Gianmarco,

Find attached an image showing an existing Orange temporary 2G mast at EDF on Bengeworth Road. I have discussed the feasibility of using that site, subject to an upgrade for 3G coverage, with the network planner and he is confident that the height of the existing mast would do the job.

In order to progress an Upgrade, Orange requires consent from EDF, the site provider.

Orange emailed a request to EDF on 24 May and I have personally sent follow up messages on 7th and 12th June but have yet to receive a response from EDF. I had rather hoped to have some kind of indication that this was indeed a viable option before sending out final responses to those that have written in about this proposal. You can imagine my frustration that I am not able to give any kind of update as yet on the EDF site.

Can you take a look at the visual and liaise with other interested parties to see if in fact it would be an acceptable alternative, bearing in mind that it is already there and that Orange will need to put something up to provide the 3G coverage required.

Once we have agreement on that, then we need to discuss how to escalate the issue with EDF. I suspect that correspondence from the Ward Cllrs or yourselves as residents may prove more effective than my emails have so far.

I will hear from Paul on Thursday hopefully so that we can decide on how best to move forward with this.

<<Orange mast at EDF.JPG>> The mast in question is visible on the left side of the image.
Best regards,

Jacqueline Sibanda
Community Affairs

DIR: 0870 373 4592
MOB: 07974 370 244

Yes to 10th July

Becca

gianmarco delre wrote:
> He would prefer the 10th of July.
> Would you agree?
> Thanks again, speak soon,
> Gianmarco

Gianmarco

I'll get back to you when I've spoken to Jim Dickson to see what dates
he has free.
Hope to email you soon so you have time to organise yourselves.

Becca Thackray

Hi everyone

I have a full signal too and am on Orange. Its such a basic argument really. There is no need for more aerials.

conor




Hi all,
Have checked my Orange mobile signal all down the rd and its full
signal everywhere.
paul

Dear all, the story so far re Orange Meeting. Dates proposed by Jacque
were the 29th of June (rejected as it is the same date of the Herne
Hill Forum) and the 10th or the 13th of July. I've copied emails from
Jacque and Jim below.

Speak soon,
gianmarco
------------------------------------
"SIBANDA, Jacque" <jacque.sibanda@...> wrote:

Gianmarco

I've given the 3 earliest dates that I can make. So if the 29th
doesn't suit the Cllrs can you choose one of the other 2 dates. If
those don't work then we are looking at later in July.

I also discussed with Paul that Orange doesn't d open public meetings
but it seems that you now have an organised action group so is there a
steering committee who we can meet along with the Ward Councillors?

Regards,

Jacqueline
--------------------------------------------
Jim Dickson <Jim.Dickson@...> wrote:

10th looks good. 13th less so. Hope that helps.

Yes let's talk some more on 29th – we can make time for a chat afterwards.

Cheers
Jim

-----Original Message-----
From: gianmarco delre [mailto:gianmarcodelre@...]
Sent: 19 June 2006 10:53
To: Jim Dickson
Cc: paul.adlam1@...
Subject: RE: Orange Meeting

Hi Jim, just a quick one. Following Jaque's email, could I just make
sure either dates that she proposed ie Monday 10th or Thursday 13th
July would be good for you, before I email the other residents?
Speak soon,
gianmarco,
ps Also, I think it would be good for us to meet before the meeting to
finalise a strategy and to get everybody up to date with the situation
so far. Could the Herne Hill Forum be a good occasion to do that?

Hello people,

another parent at my daughter's school in Stockwell has been involved  
in campaigning to prevent the siting of a mobile phone mast in that  
area. He's also a doctor who was asked to sum up the findings of the  
Stewart Report on Mobile Phones and Health. He has very kindly given  
me a copy of his summary, and a summary and the recommendations of  
the Stewart report. The full report can be accessed at
www.iegmp.org.uk/report/text.htm

If anyone has access to a photocopier and would like to make copies  
of the documents I have please let me know. I would like to give them  
back in the next week or so.

Basically, they seem to be saying that there are no proven risks, but  
it's as well to be careful. And siting near schools, hospitals and  
houses is probably not a great idea.

All the best,

Trista

Dear Jacque, following you email to Paul, could you please clarify the
dates you've indicated? Did you mean Monday the 26th or Thursday the
29th of June? The 29th would be tricky since our local councillors
have a previous engagement at the Herne Hill Forum (due to take place
that evening). Since they've already indicated they are keen to attend
our meeting, we would be grateful if you could propose an extra date.

Regards,
Gianmarco

From: "SIBANDA, Jacque" <jacque.sibanda@...>
> Date: 16 June 2006 15:02:59 BST
> To: "PAUL ADLAM" <paul.adlam1@...>
> Subject: RE: GLN3219
>
> Paul,
>
> I'm
  available on  Monday 29th June, Monday 10th or Thursday 13th
July.
>
> Please advise on numbers you expect to attend.
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Jacqueline

Dear Jaque,
SouthwellTree Residents Association would like to organise a meeting
with you to discuss the antenna. A monday, thursday or Friday evening
after 7.30 after the 26th of June would be best.
Jim Dickson our local councillor will be organising a venue.
regards Paul Adlam
On 23 May 2006, at 14:42, SIBANDA, Jacque wrote:

> Paul,
>  
> We definitely won't do an open meeting format so maybe I can suggest a
> drop in set up so that more people can come by at times that suit them
> throughout the day. Can you check with the Councillor how many hours
> the venue is available for please.
>  
> The proposal is to locate 3 dual band dual polar antennae on the plant
> room located on the roof of 36 Southwell Road. The antennae will be
> 'invisible' as they will be located behind Glass Reinforced
> Plastic (GRP). The equipment cabinets will be located internally so
> again will have no visual impact.
>  
> You can get more detailed technical info on the antennae from the
> manufacturer's website:
>
> http://www.racalantennas.com
>
> Regards,
>
> Jacqueline
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: PAUL ADLAM [mailto:paul.adlam1@...]
>> Sent: 23 May 2006 13:35
>> To: SIBANDA, Jacque
>> Subject: Re: GLN3219
>>
>> Dear Jaque,
>> Thanks for your reply. Yes this is the correct E mail. I was waiting
>> to hear from Rebecca. We have contacted our councillor to get his
>> available dates and notified him of your availability. It is however
>> likely to be an evening. We will have some difficulty keeping numbers
>> down to 10 at the meeting as there is a lot of concern locally. I
>> would also be grateful if you could send or email any information you
>> have on the type of antennae proposed
>> regards Paul.
>> On 23 May 2006, at 11:45, SIBANDA, Jacque wrote:
>>
>>> Paul,
>>>
>>> Can you confirm that I am in fact using the correct email address.
>>>
>>> Also, I will be handling this site and not Rebecca D'Arcy whose
>>> details I provided yesterday. Apologies for any confusion.
>>>
>>> Can you suggest some dates for a meeting. I prefer Mondays/Tuesdays
>>> or Thursdays and day time if possible although I appreciate that
>>> evening may be the best time for most. Just let me know what works
>>> best on your end of things and we'll take it from there.
>>>
>>> Best regards,
>>>
>>> Jacqueline Sibanda
>>> Community Affairs
>>>
>>> DIR: 0870 373 4592
>>> MOB: 07974 370 244
>>>
>>> ********************************************************************
>>> Important.
>>> Confidentiality: This communication is intended for the above-named
>>> person(s) and may be confidential and/or legally privileged.
>>> Any opinions expressed in this communication are not necessarily
>>> those of the company. If it has come to you in error you must
>>> take no action based on it, nor must you copy or show it to anyone;
>>> please delete/destroy and inform the sender immediately.
>>>
>>> Monitoring/Viruses.
>>> Orange may monitor all incoming and outgoing emails in line with
>>> current legislation. Although we have taken steps to ensure that
>>> this email and attachments are free from any virus, we advise that
>>> in keeping with good computing practice the recipient should ensure
>>> they are actually virus free.
>>>
>>> Orange Personal Communications Services Limited is a subsidiary of
>>> Orange SA and is registered in England No 2178917,
>>> with its address at St James Court, Great Park Road,
>>> Almondsbury Park, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 4QJ.
>>>
>>> Orange Retail Limited is a subsidiary of Orange SA and is registered
>>> in England No 2439104, with its address at St James Court,
>>> Great Park Road, Almondsbury Park, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 4QJ.
>>> ********************************************************************
>  ********************************************************************
>  Important.
>  Confidentiality: This communication is intended for the above-named
>  person(s) and may be confidential and/or legally privileged.
>  Any opinions expressed in this communication are not necessarily
>  those of the company. If it has come to you in error you must
>  take no action based on it, nor must you copy or show it to anyone;
>  please delete/destroy and inform the sender immediately.
>
>  Monitoring/Viruses.
>  Orange may monitor all incoming and outgoing emails in line with
>  current legislation. Although we have taken steps to ensure that
>  this email and attachments are free from any virus, we advise that
>  in keeping with good computing practice the recipient should ensure
>  they are actually virus free.
>
>  Orange Personal Communications Services Limited is a subsidiary of
>  Orange SA and is registered in England No 2178917,
>  with its address at St James Court, Great Park Road,
>  Almondsbury Park, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 4QJ.
>
>  Orange Retail Limited is a subsidiary of Orange SA and is registered
>  in England No 2439104, with its address at St James Court,
>  Great Park Road, Almondsbury Park, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 4QJ.
>  ********************************************************************

Hello people,

another parent at my daughter's school in Stockwell has been involved
in campaigning to prevent the siting of a mobile phone mast in that
area. He's also a doctor who was asked to sum up the findings of the
Stewart Report on Mobile Phones and Health. He has very kindly given
me a copy of his summary, and a summary and the recommendations of
the Stewart report. The full report can be accessed at
www.iegmp.org.uk/report/text.htm

If anyone has access to a photocopier and would like to make copies
of the documents I have please let me know. I would like to give them
back in the next week or so.

Basically, they seem to be saying that there are no proven risks, but
it's as well to be careful. And siting near schools, hospitals and
houses is probably not a great idea.

All the best,

Trista

Hi all,
Have checked my Orange mobile signal all down the rd and its full
signal everywhere.
paul

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Rosie Kendrick <rosie.kendrick@...>
> Date: 14 June 2006 13:49:36 BST
> To: "Paul. Adlam1 (E-mail)" <paul.adlam1@...>
> Subject: Howard Hughes, our news man...
>
> says that he and his fellow residents fought an orange mast - and they
> started off by working out that the signal strength for orange was at
> 5 bars
> right the way along the road - so they didn't actually need another
> antennae
> in the area.
> If you know anyone who is on Orange, you might want to have a stroll
> down
> the road with them and check it out?
>
> XXX
>
> Rosie Kendrick
> Presenter/Producer, the Late Lounge
> chill out Friday and Saturday nights from midnight
> www.smoothfm.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
> GMG Radio has scanned this email for viruses using Antigen.
>
> GMG Radio routinely monitors the content of e-mail sent and received
> via its network for the purposes of ensuring compliance with its
> policies and procedures. E-Mails received that do not comply with our
> policies and procedures may be intercepted and stopped by the system.
>
> GMG Radio is not responsible for any changes made to this message
> after it has been sent. Where opinions are expressed, they are not
> necessarily those of GMG Radio.
>
> This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
> intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they
> are addressed. If you are not the intended addressee, or the person
> responsible for delivering it to them, you may not copy, forward
> disclose or otherwise use it or any part of it in any way. To do so
> may be unlawful. If you receive this e-mail by mistake, please advise
> the sender immediately.
>

Hi All
I have had it confirmed by a lawyer that any loss of value to our
properties may recoverable from those responsible (Orange/No 36). If
the application goes ahead we will need to get a pre and post
valuation. We also need to find out about any other masts in the area.
Does anyone have any idea where to get this info?
Paul

Thanks Trista, will leave it in your capable hands
Paul
On 6 Jun 2006, at 23:27, Trista Selous wrote:

>  Hi Paul and all,
>
> I can write a brief thing for the Green party if you like - presumably
> it's just to say Orange want to put the antennae up and give our
> reasons for objecting, plus contact details for supporters.
>
> As far as I remember planning permission was granted a few years ago
> for a number of small Orange masts on the substation site following
> our successful blocking of permission for one large one. I imagine
> they have gone up, but we can't see them. I think there are also some
> phone antennae on the large mast in the substation - the one with the
> lights that go and off throughout the night and are themselves another
> nuisance.
>
> Trista
>
>
> On 6 Jun 2006, at 23:18, PAUL ADLAM wrote:
>
>> Hi Everyone.
>> Leafleting to invite the neighbourhood to join the Residents
>> Association has begun thanks to Rosie, Patricia and Natalie. The
>> response so far has been positive. As soon as we have leafleted the
>> whole area and waited a couple of days for replies then we can start
>> operating as an Association and get the letter off to Richard at 36.
>> I will ring Jim and Becca (our councillors) and try to arrange the
>> meeting with Orange. I presume a weekday evening would be best.
>> monday or Thursday are the only evenings can do, so I'm going to go
>> for one of those.
>> Can anyone investigate the leads sent by Becca Thackray below?
>> Volunteer please.
>> and editorial for the green party newsletter. Another volunteer?
>> Paul
>>
>>
>> Begin forwarded message:
>>
>>> From: becca <becca@...>
>>> Date: 6 June 2006 22:50:12 BST
>>> To: green@..., Paticia Earrey
>>> <patriciaearrey@...>, gianmarco@...,
>>> paul.adlam1@...
>>> Subject: Southwell Road see Orange over Mast
>>>
>>> Dear Southwellers
>>>
>>> Met up with Jean Lambert (Green MEP) last night who suggested
>>> various things I could follow up and some which you could.
>>>
>>> Planning Aid and Mast Sanity can probably be tracked down on the
>>> internet and may provide guidance, not least on the health risks.
>>> There may be other Orange masts in the area.
>>>
>>> The Green Party newsletter will be produced in the next few weeks
>>> and will be delivered throughout Herne Hill Ward. You are welcome to
>>> give our editor
>>> (George Graham <georgewgraham2@...>) a few sentences to put
>>> in it along with a pic of Clockwork Studios and contact details.
>>>
>>> Becca Thackray
>>>
>
>

Thankyou Trista.

Hi Everyone.
Leafleting to invite the neighbourhood to join the Residents
Association has begun thanks to Rosie, Patricia and Natalie. The
response so far has been positive. As soon as we have leafleted the
whole area and waited a couple of days for replies then we can start
operating as an Association and get the letter off to Richard at 36. I
will ring Jim and Becca (our councillors) and try to arrange the
meeting with Orange. I presume a weekday  evening would be best.
monday or Thursday are the only evenings  can do, so I'm going to  go
for one of those.
Can anyone investigate the leads sent by Becca Thackray below?
Volunteer please.
and editorial for the green party newsletter. Another volunteer?
Paul


Begin forwarded message:

> From: becca <becca@...>
> Date: 6 June 2006 22:50:12 BST
> To: green@..., Paticia Earrey
> <patriciaearrey@...>,  gianmarco@...,
> paul.adlam1@...
> Subject: Southwell Road see Orange over Mast
>
> Dear Southwellers
>
> Met up with Jean Lambert (Green MEP) last night who suggested various
> things I could follow up and some which you could.
>
> Planning Aid and Mast Sanity can probably be tracked down on the
> internet and may provide guidance, not least on the health risks.
> There may be other Orange masts in the area.
>
> The Green Party newsletter will be produced in the next few weeks and
> will be delivered throughout Herne Hill Ward. You are welcome to give
> our editor
> (George Graham <georgewgraham2@...>) a few sentences to put in
> it along with a pic of Clockwork Studios and contact details.
>
> Becca Thackray
>

Hi all

Partly a test of this Yahoo mailing list and partly some news.

I have discovered from Noel that there is some action in the Clockwork
studio. Some people there have been writing letters. I will be contacting
them today and will invite them to join this list and association.

Also Noel has been in touch for addrezsses to Orange and Lambeth. He has
written letters and wants to sen them. I have given him the names of Jacque
Sibanda@Orange and Jim Dickson @Lambeth.

More news as I have it.

Best

conor

Hi everybody, I've just did a quick digest of some of the most
important emails so far, just for the record and so that everybody is
fully briefed. No great revelations but it might be useful for new
members to southwelltree. Other docs have been uploaded in the files
section.
gianmarco


Wed, 31 May 2006 10:45:27 +0100 (BST)
from "john brunton" <johndbrunton@...>
f.a.o. Cllr. Becca Thackray: Proposed Antennas on 36 Southwell Road

Dear Becca

Sheila Northover has passed to me your message and
copy letter regarding the proposed telecommunications
development at 36 Southwell Road.   I deal with Herne
Hill Society's interests in planning and related
matters in the Lambeth side of Herne Hill.

Although in Herne Hill Ward, Southwell Road is a
little outside our area of interest.   It comes more
within the purview of the Camberwell Society, to whom
I am sending acopy of this note.

I am not familiar with this particular proposal or
with Southwell Road; and I am sure you are well versed
in the issue of planning controls covering mobile
`phone masts.   However, the following might be of
interest.

The main source of information on planning and
telecommunications installations is the government's
Planning Policy Guidance PPG8 `Telecommunications'.
Policy 49 `Telecommunications Development', in
Lambeth's Deposit Unitary Development plan is also
relevant; and it might be worth measuring this
proposal against the points set out in Policy 49.

Many types of telecommunications development are
allowed under a General Permitted Development Order,
though subject to a 56-day prior approval procedure.
Government guidance also requires that pre-application
discussions should be carried out between operators
and local planning authorities on a specific
development proposal; and between operators and other
organisations with an interest in the proposed
development, including local highway authorities,
residential groups, and amenity bodies.  Presumably,
from your letter, this consultation process is going
on.   However, the Herne Hill Society hasn't been
consulted neither, possibly, the Camberwell Society.

PPG8 suggests that, to limit visual intrusion, the
numbers masts, and of the sites for such
installations, should be kept to a minimum.  Sharing
of masts and sites is strongly encouraged.   It might
be worth exploring what studies have been carried out
on identifying alternative, shared, sites.

  I am sorry if this is all completely familiar to you,
but hope it may be of some help.

Kind regards

John

John Brunton
Vice-Chair
Herne Hill Society
--------------------------------
Tue, 23 May 2006 15:55:57 +0100
From "SIBANDA, Jacque" <jacque.sibanda@...>

Paul,

the design has been changed. Generally, Orange will seek comments from
the community early on in the process and the final design tends to
happen around this stage. I will forward a full set of the drawings
showing the proposed arrangement once they are issued. A lot of the
time the design doesn't change but sometimes, as in this instance it does.

Also, the picture on the notice had to have the antennae clearly
visible as it was meant to show location rather than how well the
antennae could be disguised. In reality, the antennae and feeder
cables would have be so meticulously colour matched to the wall and
practically impossible to spot.

I have passed your mobile number on to Cllr Dixon who has been
discussing this issue with another resident and would like to  liaise
with you to avoid duplicating the process of setting up a meeting/drop
in. I hope that's okay.

Regards,

Jacqueline
---------------------------------------------------
Wed, 24 May 2006 20:10:32 +0100
from: Trista

Hello people,

It might be worth opening the process of getting no 36 Southwell Road
listed. Even if it is not accepted for listing, my understanding is
that nothing can be done to a bulding while it is under consideration
for listing.

36 Southwell Road is of historical and architectural interest, having
apparently been built to house and paint theatrical backdrops by the
impresario Fred Karno, who worked with Charlie Chaplin. Rumour has it
CC lived for a while at no. 35 opposite. I haven't found confirmation
of the latter, but found the following for Karno at
http://www.ideal-homes.org.uk/lambeth/main/brixton.htm:

> At the end of the 19th century Brixton became home to theatre and
music hall artistes. Dan Leno lived in Akerman Road, Fred Karno had
his `Fun Factory' off Coldharbour Lane, Charlie Chaplin lived in
Ferndale Road at the turn of the century whilst part of the `Eight
Lancashire Lads' troupe.

I'm currently working to a very tight deadline and can't deal with
this before 1 June, but if anyone has a moment, here is a website with
details of getting properties listed:

http://tinyurl.com/e649l

All the best,

Trista
----------------------------------------------
From: Trista Selous <trista.selous@...>
> Date: 18 May 2006 22:13:53 BST
> To: PAUL ADLAM <paul.adlam1@...>
> Subject: Re: Moblie Antenna
Hello Paul and thanks for this.
>
> Oh dear, I haven't noticed this notice.
>
> We did run a campaign some time ago in Southwell Road to prevent a
lot
> of mobile phone aerials going up on a tall mast in the electricity
> substation. If I remember rightly we couldn't counter them on the
> grounds that they are a health risk because that is said to be
> unproven, so we had to do it on grounds that they are unsightly. You
> can also just about swing it on the grounds that seeing them causes
> you distress because you are afraid they might be a risk to your
> health. Anyway we managed to block planning permission in the first
> instance on the grounds that a huge mast would be very visible and we
> didn't want to see it (also mentioning the nearby playground and
> hospital, from where it would also be visible), but the company
> putting up the aerials got round this by applying to put up several
> small masts instead, which would not be visible. I assume these must
> have been put up.

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the southwelltree_se5
group.

   File        : /36SouthwellRoad_contacts.doc
   Uploaded by : gianmarcodelre <gianmarcodelre@...>
   Description : contacts

You can access this file at the URL

http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/southwelltree_se5/files/36SouthwellRoad_contact\
s.doc

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit

http://help.yahoo.com/help/uk/groups/files

Regards,

gianmarcodelre <gianmarcodelre@...>

here's some info about party wall legislation I got from the following
website
http://www.rics.org/Property/Propertymanagement/party_walls.htm
It might be good to print this off and send it to Noel.


What is a party wall?
If you live in a semi-detached or terrace house you share a wall (or
walls) with your neighbour - that is known as the party wall. It
separates buildings belonging to different owners.

Where a wall separates two different size buildings, only the part
that is used by both properties is considered to be a party wall. The
rest belongs to the person on whose land it stands.

You must get your neighbour's agreement before you can start any
building work such as:

     * Extensions
     * Damp proofing works
     * Some internal refurbishment
     * Structural alterations.

In some cases, excavating or constructing foundations for a new
building within three or six metres of neighbouring properties will
also need written agreement.

The Party Wall etc Act
Since the Party Wall etc Act 1996 came into force, homeowners in
England and Wales have had a procedure to follow when building work
involves a party wall or party fence wall.

The Act is designed to minimise disputes by making sure property
owners use a surveyor to determine the time and way in which work is
carried out. You can use an 'agreed surveyor' to act for both property
owners should problems arise.

The Act allows you to carry out work on - or next to - a shared wall.
At the same time protecting the interests of anyone else who might be
affected by that work.

  What doesn't the Act cover
The Act doesn't cover everyday minor jobs that don't affect the
neighbours' half of a party wall including:

     * Fixing plugs
     * Screwing in wall units or shelving
     * Adding or replacing some recessed electrical wiring or sockets
     * Replastering your walls.

What is covered by the Act?
There are some things that you can only do to a party wall with the
written agreement of the adjoining owner including:

     * Cutting into a wall to take the bearing of a beam, for example
for a loft conversion
     * Inserting a damp proof course all the way through a wall
     * Raising the whole party wall and, if necessary, cutting off any
objects stopping this from happening
     * Demolishing and rebuilding the party wall
     * Underpinning the whole or part of a wall

     * Protecting adjoining walls by cutting a flashing into an
adjoining building
     * Building a new wall on the line of junction between two properties
     * Excavating foundations within three metres of an adjoining
structure and lower than its foundations
     * Excavating foundations within six metres of an adjoining
structure and below a line drawn down at 45o from the bottom of its
foundations.

What do I do next?
If you intend to do any of these things, you must give written notice
to your neighbours at least two months before starting any party wall
works. Or one month for 'line of junction' or excavation works.

If a tenant or leaseholder is in the building next door, you will need
to tell the landlord, as well as the person living in the property,
that you want to carry out building work to the party wall.

Where there is more than one owner of the property or more than one
adjoining property, you must let them know too.

Don't forget to give written notice to the owners and occupiers living
either above or below your property.

If possible, talk to your neighbours in detail about the work you want
to do before giving them an official written notice. If you can sort
out any potential problems in advance, they should give you written
agreement in response to your notice, which they must do within 14 days.

What if there's a dispute?
The solution the Act provides is for both parties to each appoint a
surveyor or 'agreed surveyor' who will act impartially.

The surveyor will draw up a document called an 'Award'. This details
the work to be carried out, when and how it will be done and records
the condition of the adjoining property before work begins.

It may also grant access to both properties so the surveyor can
inspect work in progress. The Award will determine who pays for the
work if this is in dispute.

Generally, the building owner who started the work pays for all expenses.

How RICS can help you
As the world's largest professional body for chartered surveyors, RICS
offers clear, impartial, expert advice on the issues raised here.

Chartered surveyors cover all aspects of property: from conserving and
restoring historic buildings; residential and commercial; industrial
and retail to planning home extensions, homebuyer surveys and
valuations, dilapidations, right to light and energy efficiency.

Call the RICS Party Walls Helpline +44 (0)870 333 1600 for up to 30
minutes free advice from an experienced RICS member in your area.

Further information
A series of questions and answers about party walls produced by RICS
can be downloaded from the PDF Downloads panel located on the right.
(PDF 16kb).

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has produced a useful booklet
explaining the Party Wall etc Act 1996 in detail. This can be viewed
via the link in the External Websites menu on the right.

RICS books sell a number of publications dealing with party walls .

Copies of the Party Wall etc Act 1996 can be obtained from the HMSO
website via the link in the External Websites menu on the right.