Basements and converted properties
Party wall surveyor in Camden
Planning works in Camden, or responding to a neighbour's notice? We help building and adjoining owners identify the notices, inspections and awards their project needs, working from our Fitzrovia office.
Keep the basement assessment and party wall process separate
Camden's basement guidance considers drainage, groundwater and structural stability through a site-specific Basement Impact Assessment. That planning assessment has a different purpose from a party wall award. An award determines matters in dispute under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996; it does not replace planning approval or building-control requirements.
What to send for a basement or structural alteration
Send the excavation sections, proposed depth, structural drawings and the position of neighbouring walls and foundations. Explain whether the works include underpinning, a lightwell or changes to a shared wall. We can then identify the notice route and any further technical information needed. Complex basement work may require a checking engineer or additional professional input.
Check adjoining ownership in a converted building
A neighbouring flat may have a leaseholder and a freeholder whose interests need to be checked. Do not assume that the person living next door is the only relevant owner. Provide the adjoining addresses and available ownership information so the notices and appointments can be directed correctly.
Reference: Camden Basements Planning Guidance, January 2021.
Choose the service your situation needs
Party wall notices
Identify the appropriate notice type and serve it correctly.
Schedule of condition
A useful dated record of the adjoining property before relevant work begins.
Party wall awards
Determine matters in dispute and record the conditions for notified work.
Read the process for building owners or adjoining owners. See current fees and qualifications.
Questions about party wall work in Camden
Does a Camden basement planning approval replace a party wall award?
No. Planning, building control and the Party Wall Act are separate routes. The party wall procedure depends on the notified work and whether a dispute arises.
Who needs notice when the neighbouring building contains flats?
Ownership and leasehold interests need to be checked. Send the adjoining addresses and title information rather than assuming one occupier represents the whole building.
Does every basement project cost the standard award fee?
No. The published fees cover typical homeowner projects. Checking engineers, complex structures and other additional work can change the scope and cost; we confirm the fee before instruction.
Who normally pays the surveyor's fees?
The building owner normally pays reasonable surveyor costs. Under section 10(13), the surveyors determine who pays reasonable costs arising from the dispute. Check the written appointment terms as well as any award; we explain our invoicing arrangements before instruction.
Legal reference: Party Wall etc. Act 1996. The requirements depend on the work, notice and property interests.
Tell us what is planned
Send the relevant drawings or the notice you have received. We will explain the next step for your property in Camden.
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