The Building Owner’s development involved demolishing a Victorian semi-detached house and reconstructing the property in a contemporary style with extension at the rear and a large basement. Arun Associates were appointed to act on behalf of the adjoining freehold owner and leaseholders and also on behalf of the Local Authority who owned the unattached neighbouring
Acting as Adjoining Owner’s party wall surveyor our client was concerned about the effect a new block of flats development with a double basement would have on their existing residential block. The new building is to be located immediately adjacent to the existing. Such development no doubt presented immediate concerns in respect of structural stability
Given the expense of buying a larger property and inconvenience of moving many homeowners consider extending into the loft space a good proposition to acquire the additional space they need. The likelihood of damage occurring will often depend on a number of factors which include the robustness of the party wall and neighbouring building and