​Developer & Landlord Neighbour Engagement Packages

Our Developer & Landlord Neighbour Engagement Packages are designed for developers, freeholders, RTM companies and institutional landlords who are planning construction works and want to manage party wall, access, rights of light and wider neighbourly issues in a proactive, structured way.

Rather than dealing with each matter in isolation, we bring all neighbour-related technical and procedural issues under one coordinated service so that works can proceed with reduced risk of objection, delay or dispute.

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Neighbour Engagement for Development and Major Works

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When undertaking development or major refurbishment, the way neighbours are approached and managed can be as important as the design and construction itself. Poorly handled engagement can lead to:

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• Objections at planning stage.

• Delays to start on site caused by party wall disputes.

• Refusals of access for scaffolding, crane oversail or temporary works.

• Complaints about noise, dust, vibration or perceived damage.

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Our service is intended to give developers and landlords a single point of contact for the technical surveying, statutory compliance and practical communication with adjoining owners and occupiers.

 

What is included in our Developer & Landlord Neighbour Engagement Packages

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Packages are tailored to the scale and complexity of the project, but typically include some or all of the following:

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• Party Wall Strategy and Notices

  1. Reviewing the proposed works and identifying which elements fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

  2. Mapping all adjoining owners and interested parties (including long leaseholders and freeholders).

  3. Drafting and serving appropriate party wall notices and managing the subsequent procedures

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• Access Licences and Temporary Works Arrangements

  1. Identifying where scaffold, hoarding, crane oversail or temporary propping will affect neighbouring land or airspace.

  2. Advising on Access Licence terms and assisting with negotiations to secure the necessary rights.

  3. Coordinating with structural engineers and contractors so that temporary works proposals are clearly explained to neighbours.

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• Schedules of Condition to Neighbouring Properties​

  1. Providing a clear benchmark so that any alleged damage can be properly assessed during and after the works.

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• Preparing detailed photographic and written Schedules of Condition of neighbouring structures, boundaries and external areas before works commence.

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• Rights of Light, Daylight and Sunlight Screening

  1. High-level screening of potential rights of light and daylight/sunlight impacts on neighbours at feasibility or pre-planning stage.

  2. Advising when more detailed specialist analysis is likely to be necessary and how this interacts with neighbour consultation.

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• Communication and Engagement Plan

  1. Advising on the timing and content of letters, information packs and update notices to neighbours and residents.

  2. Helping developers and landlords explain the works programme, key dates and mitigation measures in clear, professional terms.

  3. Supporting the project team in handling neighbour queries and concerns as they arise.

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• Monitoring During and After Works

  1. Periodic inspections of sensitive boundaries and neighbouring properties where required.

  2. Follow-up condition checks and reporting on any alleged damage.

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How Stephen Hawes & Co. can assist developers and landlords

 

We can become involved at different stages of a scheme, but the best results are usually achieved where we are appointed before planning is finalised or before technical design is locked in. Our input can then influence:

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• The placing of new structures in relation to boundaries and party walls.

• The choice of construction methods with regard to noise, vibration and access.

• The timing of different phases of work in relation to neighbour sensitivities.

Our role is to work alongside your design team, project manager and contractor to ensure that neighbour-related risks are identified early, managed properly and documented clearly.

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Who this service is for

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These packages are suitable for:

• Small to medium-sized developers undertaking infill developments, rear extensions, roof additions and conversions in built-up areas.

• Freeholders and institutional landlords planning façade works, roof renewals, structural repairs or refurbishment programmes to blocks and estates.

• RTM companies and resident-led management bodies who want external works carried out with minimal friction with neighbouring owners and occupiers.

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Benefits of a coordinated neighbour engagement package​

 

By instructing Stephen Hawes & Co. to manage neighbour engagement as a single, integrated service, developers and landlords can:

• Reduce the risk of objections, injunctions and other delays caused by avoidable neighbour issues.

• Ensure proper compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and related legislation.

• Secure necessary access and temporary works rights on clear, documented terms.

• Demonstrate to local authorities, funders and purchasers that neighbourly matters have been professionally considered and managed.

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If you are planning development or major works and would like to discuss a tailored Developer & Landlord Neighbour Engagement Package for your scheme, please contact Stephen Hawes & Co. to discuss your proposals in more detail.