Potential chimney stack dispute

Doozergirl

djdust wrote: »

As I said in my first post, was just looking to get some facts and check my rights first.

You did? I missed that.

Perhaps with your expertise you can contribute the board and offer advice on the Party Wall Act and where Planning Permission is required over the long term.

sevenhills

djdust wrote: »

A week ago, they started having some major work done on the inside of their house, looks like the place is being completely gutted and rebuilt. I first became aware when the banging started on the walls and I could hear the plaster crumbling away. After a few hours of it, the builder, Rob, came round and made a point of introducing himself to me and checking I wasn't being disturbed too much and explaining what was going on.

Was work being done on the chimney breast or the party wall?

djdust

Doozergirl wrote: »

You did? I missed that.

Indeed. You were straight in with the criticism.

Doozergirl wrote: »

Perhaps with your expertise you can contribute the board and offer advice on the Party Wall Act and where Planning Permission is required over the long term.

You are hilarious. More sarcasm and nastiness, just because you got called out on your behaviour. Please don't respond anymore, I don't want "advice" from such an unpleasant, odius person.

sevenhills wrote: »

Was work being done on the chimney breast or the party wall?

Just the plaster on the wall. Chimney breast was removed years ago apparently.

Doozergirl

It was a genuine question.

If the chimney breast has gone then is there actually a genuine problem with the chimney stack that they are trying to resolve by removal? Are you using the fireplaces?

Stacks are the first to suffer with mortar damage and movement, due to their exposure. It could need repointing/rebuilding. If they have removed the breasts then removing the stack is a reasonable suggestion for someone who has no need for it.

Aylesbury_Duck

djdust wrote: »

Please don't respond anymore, I don't want "advice" from such an unpleasant, odius person.

Your choice of course, but check her post and thanks count. You're missing out on one of the more qualified posters on here when it comes to situations like yours, just because you took a dislike to a comment about gossip. That's cutting your nose off to spite your face, especially when you claimed you'd "appreciate some advice", which you got in 10 minutes.

In fact, from your little temper tantrum on here, I can well see why you have problems with neighbours....again. You don't come across as someone who would be a reasonable neighbour.

djdust

Aylesbury_Duck wrote: »

In fact, from your little temper tantrum on here, I can well see why you have problems with neighbours....again. You don't come across as someone who would be a reasonable neighbour.

Sorry but, when I get spoken to like a cretin, I tend to respond in kind. Why don't you wind your neck in and shove your opinion?

Kiran

djdust wrote: »

Sorry but, when I get spoken to like a cretin, I tend to respond in kind. Why don't you wind your neck in and shove your opinion?

Not exactly in the spirit of the forum rules, is it?

Aylesbury_Duck

djdust wrote: »

Sorry but, when I get spoken to like a cretin, I tend to respond in kind. Why don't you wind your neck in and shove your opinion?

:rotfl:

I rest my case.

Doozergirl

djdust wrote: »

Hi all

Am having problems with the neighbours again... :eek:

Two years ago they build a lean-to conservatory at the back of their house, that I discussed in a previous thread. Back then, they at least consulted with me (eventually) and we managed to get the matter pretty much resolved, although it was telling they got actual planning permission for the work they had done several months after it was actually completed. This time, they're being even sneakier...

A week ago, they started having some major work done on the inside of their house, looks like the place is being completely gutted and rebuilt. I first became aware when the banging started on the walls and I could hear the plaster crumbling away. After a few hours of it, the builder, Rob, came round and made a point of introducing himself to me and checking I wasn't being disturbed too much and explaining what was going on. He was surprised straight away as he'd been told by his clients that they'd already advised me of what was going on, yet they very definitely hadn't, this was the first I'd heard of it! He left me his card and said to get in touch if had any concerns at all. Seemed like a nice, professional bloke, the complete opposite of the complete cretin they'd got in to do the previous work two years ago...

Rob knocked on my door again on Saturday afternoon and came in for a chat and to update me of what was going on... First up, he was concerned that, despite the fact that there's a clear "KEEP OUT, UNSAFE" notice up on the front of the house and the neighbours have been told to stay away while the work is done, for obvious health and safety reasons, they're still continuing to use the house for baths, etc. anyway. He also advised that he and his sub-contractors were very likely going to be withdrawing from the job as they weren't prepared to put up with the extremely rude and aggressive way they were being treated anymore.

The most concerning thing that Rob advised me of was that, the neighbour apparently wants the joint chimney stack (that I share with them) removed from the top of the house. He told them he couldn't do that without going through a lot of checks and making sure I, the neighbour, was consulted about it. He was told very clearly that they *had* spoken to me about it, I had 100% given my full blessing and, get this, he was not to talk to me about it as I did not want to be disturbed and didn't want to discuss the matter further..

Unbelievable.

Rob said this had rung massive alarm bells with him as I'd already told him before that they'd lied to me about letting me know there was building work coming up, hence his visit to come let me know the score. He said he'd chat with me again tonight and update me on what the situation was but, understandably, if he really does exit the job, there's nothing to stop them getting in another cowboy like last time who may happily do the job for them and not ask too many questions...

I've been doing a bit of Googling but am not really getting any firm answers so far so would appreciate some advice. Does a chimney stack count like a party wall? If work is done on it, does planning permission need to be obtained from the local council?

Cheers

Quoting in anticipation that at least the first post is deleted by the OP.

djdust

I think I'm done here, I'll go seek advice on another forum where people aren't looking to inflate their egos and score points. Cheers all.