I posted the question below on another thread on the building forum but got no response. Am hoping someone on here might be able to help. I'm having a loft conversion.

I've spoken to an architect and am still unclear on the party wall process. Do i need my neighbours agreement or not?

I've been told i need them to agree to it but that if they don't that doesn't necessarilly mean we can't do the loft.

Can any one clear up my confusion?

Hi sorry for delay in replying, been crazy busy at work.

Yes about half of the houses down our street have loft conversions, although i discovered one of my neighbours didn't get their loft done because their next door neighbour refused to sign the party wall agreement.

I've discussed this further with my architect and managed to find a bit more out on the internet. If my neighbour refuses to sign the letter then we both have to instruct surveyors who will handle the situation. I'm not sure what happens if the neighbour just refuses to instruct a surveyor, perhaps you would have to bring legal proceedings.

However i'm just hoping they will agree to it as either way if they don't it will cause a big delay and increase in expense.

I heard party wall agreements are not legally binding. If you just do the work, your neighbour can not make you take it down legally. They can apply to the council to stop the work, but if you finish it quick enough there's nothing they can do.