Typical working hours that are permitted by Local Authorities are between 8am to 6pm on weekdays and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. These times may vary by the local council and must be checked. Noisy work is prohibited on Sundays and on bank holidays.
Section 10(12) of the Act states that an Award may determine “the time and manner of executing any work”. It is important to note that ‘work’ in this case is only referring to notifiable works that come under the scope of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. One of the main purposes of the Party Wall Award being to minimise disturbances and inconveniences on the adjoining owner, communication with your neighbour of noisier work is paramount.
Although flexibility can be granted for any emergency work or to fix hazard, work outside of permitted hours risks enforcement action. Party Wall Surveyors do not have any power of enforcement it is up to the adjoining owner if they wish to go ahead with enforcement action. However, I highly advise the adjoining owner to contact their appointed surveyor as soon as such discomforts arise as the surveyor in most cases will be able to reason with the building owner to limit work within the hours stated in the award. In this way, any expensive legal escalations can be avoided.
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