Evans Jones was appointed as Party Wall Surveyors to deal with neighbourly matters for the new YMCA site in Cheltenham which is in close proximity to multiple neighbours.
- Service:
- Party Wall
Project Overview:
The project consisted of the demolition of a substantial existing building and erection of a new extension comprising 71 bedrooms and ancilliary accomodation.
We were appointed by the D & B Contractor, Speller Metcalfe as Party Wall Surveyors to advise on the application of the Party Wall Act and how access to neighbouring gardens could be secured.
Challenges:
There were 15 adjoining owners who were both homeowners and commercial businesses so coordinating notices and consistent communication with all was key to securing the program, which was challenging.
As the devlopment was in very close proximity to a number of the owners, some of whom has very demanding tenants sensitive liaision and management of expectations was key.
Equally, to some areas we could not secure access under the Act so had to negotiate Scaffold Licences with neighbours.
The Results:
We coordinated the provision of information with the contractor, including early production of structural information which allowed us to serve notices notices early in the program.
We then convened a consultation event with neighbours to discuss their concerns and outline the Party Wall process.
Ultimately 10 owners dissented and we dealt with disputes, preparation of party wall awards and scaffold licences for all.
Despite dealing with disgruntled neighbours we were able to secure access to 8 neighbouring properties to allow the erection of scaffolding with no disruption to the build programme despite the groundworks design changing at least 3 times during the project.
With careful management cordial relationships were retained with neighbours with minimal snagging work on completion.