Is the Party Wall Act different from planning permission?
Planning, building regulations and the Party Wall Act are three separate things. Here's how they fit together.
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In short
Yes. Planning permission is from the local council and controls what you can build. Building regulations control how it's built. The Party Wall Act is a private process with your neighbours about shared walls, boundaries and nearby excavation. You may need all three, and none replaces the others.
| Planning | Building regulations | Party Wall Act | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who deals with it | Local council | Building control | You, your neighbours and surveyors |
| Covers | Use, appearance, size | Structure, fire, safety | Shared walls, boundaries, excavation |
| Permitted development removes it? | Sometimes | No | No |
Permitted development
Many loft conversions and rear extensions don't need planning permission. They still need building regulations approval, and they still need party wall notices if they affect a shared wall or dig near a neighbour.
Timing
Serve party wall notices once your structural drawings are ready, early enough that the notice period ends before your builder starts. A Section 2 notice lapses if work hasn't started within 12 months.
Common questions
Does a neighbour's planning objection affect the party wall process?
No. They're separate processes. A neighbour can object to planning and still be served notice under the Party Wall Act.
Source: Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (applies in England and Wales).
Written by Guy Crouch BSc (Hons) MRICS, Director and Chartered Building Surveyor at Manchester Party Wall Surveyors. Last reviewed 26 October 2026. This page is general guidance, not legal advice. About our team
Planning work near a neighbour?
Speak to a chartered surveyor before you start, not after.