Neighbor wants to remove part of shared chimney stack?

casper_g

Gloomendoom wrote: »

The new build next to me has a fake one made of plastic. Apparently, the planners insisted on it.

We love our chimney, but then we have an open fire and use it. A plastic fake chimney stack on a new house is a ridiculous pastiche!

SplanK

IF its not functional then its one less item that needs to be maintained and the roof line simplified...




However, why have the others who said don't touch it advised you in such a way?


Not sure if you need to check your local authority to see what they say. Yes they could remove it, but it would be you in hot water if the LA want you to keep it!!


I would also be wanting some sort of written documentation from the neighbour and builder to ensure that everything is in black and white and you fully understand what is going on and what has been agreed. Chances are that would be done through the party wall act anyway but ensure you get something, don't just agree verbally!

phil24_7

Please also make sure you have a copy of the builders public liability insurance and details of the neighbours insurance, including written confirmation from the insurance company that they know about the building work.

Gloomendoom

casper_g wrote: »

We love our chimney, but then we have an open fire and use it. A plastic fake chimney stack on a new house is a ridiculous pastiche!

To be fair on the planners, it doesn't look fake and, given the style of the house, it would have looked a bit odd without a chimney stack.

http://www.build-liteuk.co.uk/products/litestack-chimneys/

Eastender

phil24_7 wrote: »

Please also make sure you have a copy of the builders public liability insurance and details of the neighbours insurance, including written confirmation from the insurance company that they know about the building work.

I can certainly ask for builder's liability ins, but not sure how I can ask neighbour's ins, who also have to notify their ins company, if they have the bare min 'building ins'.

I have to be sure that after done the work and put tiles to cover the stack, that it's secure and will last.

phil24_7

Request it has part of the party wall agreement. If something goes wrong with the build it will either be their home insurance or the builders public liability that will pay out (depending on the circumstances).

You just your neighbour them to notify their insurance of the building work and then give you a copy of the confirmation letter.