The first formal step (see here for informal step) of the process is to "serve notice" on your neighbours which is basically send your neighbours a letter advising them of your intentions. A quick search on the internet and you will see various companies offering differing prices to prepare these notices on your behalf or an on line service. If your project is relatively straight forward this is something you can undertake yourself. The Government website provides standard templates which you can download along with guidance on how to complete. If you follow the format and complete all parts it is quite straight forward.

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It is important to complete the form with certain information, it must have the name and address of the neighbour not Janet & Dave next door. It must be sent to the 'Legal Owner' of the property, care needs to be taken as we live in an increased society of long term rented properties. The form must be dated and advise of the proposed start date (in line with the statutory time periods) and it must describe your proposed works and if you are excavating it must be accompanied with plans and a section detail. 

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You have two options on how to deliver this notice, you can place it in the hand of the neighbour which also gives you opportunity to discuss the process and your project or via Royal Mail. If by post please ask for a receipt of posting and keep a copy of the notices, this date now commences the statutory timeframes as laid down in the act. (You cant just pop it through the door, you need proof just in case)

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On schemes that are bit more involved there is a risk of not including all the notifiable elements, a neighbour or neighbour's surveyor can insist that new notices are served.

 

At Christopher Anthony Surveyors we do not charge for serving notices, if the neighbours consent to your works and require no further action then there is nothing to pay.  This is our business model, we hope that if you are satisfied with our service you will refer us to friends and family which far outweighs a fee for serving notice. So why not take advantage.

 

We will on your behalf, undertake Land Registry search fees to verify legal owners, prepare and serve ​a valid ​notice​ to ensure your rights under the Act are enabled​ covering all the notifiable elements of your project. Provide a covering letter and explanatory notes, include a stamped address envelope and follow up with a 10 day letter in the event your neighbours do not respond.