​Does your building project or maintenance works require access to or over neighbouring land or property?
Whether you are planning an extension, loft conversion, basement, piling works, under-pinning, excavation, façade repair or re-decoration, roof replacement or gutter maintenance, managing neighbourly matters correctly and professionally is essential.
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We advise property owners, developers and adjoining owners on Access Agreements, Scaffold Licences, Schedules of Condition and Security for Expenses — helping prevent disputes and protect property interests.
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Getting formal agreements in place early provides clarity, protection and prevents delays.
We regularly assist clients with access and boundary-related issues, helping resolve concerns in a practical and neighbourly way, acting as a neutral and experienced point of contact between neighbours, managing communication clearly and professionally throughout the project.
Access Agreements & Neighbourly Matters
Access Agreements
In many construction projects contractors require temporary access onto adjoining land to carry out works.
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Where access is required, a formal Access Agreement can be prepared to clearly set out:
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The areas of access
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The duration of access
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Permitted working hours
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Security arrangements
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Insurance requirements
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Making good provisions
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Compensation (if appropriate)
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We prepare clear access agreements allowing lawful access to neighbouring land or property while safeguarding both parties’ rights and responsibilities and maintain good neighbourly relations.
Scaffold Licences
When scaffolding, hoarding, or protective structures need to oversail or rest on neighbouring land, a Scaffold Licence Agreement is required.
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A Scaffold Licence sets out:
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Scaffold position and design
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Installation and dismantling dates
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Insurance cover
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Safety compliance
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Indemnities
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Licence fee (if agreed)
If scaffolding or temporary structures are required over neighbouring land, we can prepare and agree scaffold licences to avoid disputes and keep works progressing.
Damages & Disputes
From minor concerns to more complex disagreements between neighbours where building works are concerned, we provide professional advice and Dispute Resolution, aiming to reach sensible solutions without unnecessary escalation.
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If required we are able to document and compare damage resulting from neighbour building with any Schedule of Condition taken before the work started.
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In cases where any damage should occur, we carry out fair and independent Damage Assessments and advise on appropriate compensation in line with best practice.​​
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A Schedule of Condition is one of the most important protective documents where access is required on or over neighbouring land or property.
A Schedule of Condition provides a clear evidence of the pre-works condition of the area requiring access and is a vital document that can be used to prove or disprove any alleged damage caused by the access made.
This can include, but is not limited to:
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Scaffold damage to roof areas and facades
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Construction debris, blocking valleys, channels and gutters
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Impact damage from fallen debris, materials or tools
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Damage to ground areas or landscaping caused by heavy plant
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Overspray from decoration works
We offer a detailed written and photographic record of the adjoining property and / or land before works commence. This is a vital document that helps prevent disputes and provides clarity should any damage be alleged during or after construction or access has been made.​
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This detailed report records the condition of a neighbouring property before works commence. It includes:
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Written descriptions and high-resolution photographs showing existing defects
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High-resolution photographs showing clear areas free from damage
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Structural observations
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Internal and external condition records where required​​​
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Schedules of Condition
Why choose Party Wall Assist?
✔ Free initial advice
✔ Extensive experience producing Access Agreements and Scaffold Licences
✔ Impartial and professional service
✔ Deep technical understanding of works and access
✔ Clear jargon-free estimation of costs
✔ Impartial dispute resolution
✔ Focus on avoiding disputes and delays for project
✔ Practical, commercially focused approach for both licensee’s and licensor's
✔ Trusted by homeowners, developers, insurers and public bodies
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Whether you need advice on a access agreements, scaffold icences, the production of a schedule of condition or help with any access and neighbourly matter, we are here to help.​