How to get consent to build a wall up to, on or across the boundary

The short answer

Getting consent for a boundary wall is mostly about clarity and confidence — explain the work early, serve the correct line of junction notice, offer reasonable assurances and keep records. A wall astride the boundary needs the adjoining owner’s written consent; a wall wholly on your own land needs notice, not consent.

Why it matters

If the Act applies, a line of junction notice must usually be served at least one month before starting. Neighbours often object simply because they do not understand the proposal, so drawings and a clear explanation make consent far more likely. The adjoining owner may consent, refuse consent to an astride wall, raise concerns, serve a counter-notice where allowed, or dissent so that a dispute arises under the Act.

What to do now

• Work out whether your wall is up to, or astride, the boundary, and whether foundations, projections or access affect the neighbour.
• Talk to the neighbour first and use drawings or simple visuals.
• Serve the correct notice, properly, and record how and when it was served.
• Where reasonable, make small design adjustments in return for written consent.
• If consent is given, get it in writing; if a dispute arises, propose one agreed surveyor.

Common mistakes

• Serving formal notice before having any conversation with the neighbour.
• Forcing an astride wall without written consent.
• Refusing sensible design tweaks that would secure consent cheaply.
• Failing to formalise consent in writing.

When to call Coburns

If you want consent secured smoothly, send us your plans and we will handle the notice, the neighbour communication and any agreed surveyor appointment.