Does the front of a chimney form part of a party wall

[William101]

Hi

I live in a standard semi detached house. The main party wall is easy to define but I don't know if my chimney breast forms part of this party wall.

I know the back of my chimney breast forms part of the party wall but does the front?

I've got to install some bolts into the front to take the load of a small steel but don't want to have to ask my neighbours permission.

Anyone got a good answer?

Much appreciated

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You don't need their permission.

But it might be wise to serve them a notice.

https://www.gov.uk/party-wall-etc-act-1996-guidance

 

[tony1851]

The chimney breast does form part of the paty wall and, as above, the PWA applies.
However, if you are not putting much load on it, it is not a structural issue and you needn't bother with the Act. If your bracket was to support a beam, that would be a different matter.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

If your bracket was to support a beam, that would be a different matter.

I've got to install some bolts into the front to take the load of a small steel

 

[wessex101]

The only part of a chimney breast that falls under the party wall act is where the brickwork is physically built into the party wall. The party wall is the party wall, it does not extend into any attached structures.

So any work to the face of the chimney breast does not apply. You could demolish the entire front of the chimney breast just leaving the sides as piers and it still does not apply as long as you do not disturb the party wall itself.