Party Wall: City Re-development, Oxford
Project Outline
The project involved the complete demolition of a steel frame block and the re-development of the site with a three-story block of apartments including a basement for underground car parking. The site was adjoined on three sides by buildings requiring consent under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (the Act).
Apart from the potential damage to their own properties the adjoining owners were very concerned about noise and vibration.
Scott Surveying was commissioned by the Developer to administer his obligations under the Act and to advise on associated boundary matters.
Services Provided
- Our experience accurately advised the developer on their obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and put forward a strategy for obtaining consent without causing risk of delay to the project.
- Scott Surveying was engaged during the initial stages of the design process to focus the design team on party wall matters requiring early attention, allowing Notices to be served in line with the overall programme constraints.
- We ensured that levels of construction details were in place before serving Notices.
- Also, we worked closely with the project architect and engineer to develop creative and effective solutions to overcome the stringent party wall criteria.
- This included appropriate method statements for demolition, installation of temporary support works, installation of sealed sheet piling (using silent piling technique), excavation/construction sequences of the basement and super-structure works.
- Additional input was required in relation to general boundary matters and associated neighbourly agreements regarding re-enclosing onto adjoining properties to the site boundary and negotiating the terms of access rights.
- Schedules of condition on three large properties were carried out.
- Conclusion of Awards
How Scott Surveying added value
Ensuring both building and adjoining owners discharged their statutory duties under the terms of The Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Checking that suitable methods were adopted in order that the stability of the adjoining properties was always maintained throughout the re-development and that any disturbance and inconvenience to the adjoining owners was kept to a minimum.
Ensuring that the proposals were designed and implemented in a manner that the future redevelopment of the adjoining properties would in no way be prejudiced.
Maximising the buildable envelope of a development
Assisting the developer and his team to identify and manage the time and cost risks of development arising out of conflicting interests of neighbours.
A good working relationship was fostered between the developer and neighbours via our good proactive communication.
For further details, please contact:
Chris Scott
Mobile: 07984 680838
E: [email protected]