Noises in wall /PWA problem

[Drained]

The property was quiet until the neighbours did some work on the other side of the wall, they swore they were only putting up shelves but it was major construction, the whole property shook and it sounded like they were coming through the wall. I know what brick excavation sounds like and they were doing it. It sounds like they've made holes and taken out their side of the cavity in the party wall, taking out the bricks of the property's back wall which theirs abuts and maybe shares. I can now hear plumbing, voices, everything and even at times smell cigarettes and food. I heard one of them saying how great it was that they were able to gain some more space, a damp proof course was cut in, they ignored my requests to stop under the party wall act and stopped communicating with me. I was even told that they had installed a bookcase now and there was no way that is coming out. What recourse do I have? The property has become noisy when it was quiet, will the structure be affected and will the party wall act or another help me? I have considered soundproofing, but it seems they may have removed or ruined mine and losing floorspace is not something I would like to consider and it does not seem right that my enjoyment of my property should be affected by work that should never have been done and I tried to stop.

 

[vinn]

Party Wall Act is a civil matter, not a matter for BCO, and you would do well to read up on it in the Planning forum on here.
There are Solicitors & RICS who specialise in PWA work.

 

[^woody^]

Structural work, and work which potentially alters the sound and fire resistance of compartment walls is a BCO matter.

The OP can refer this to the council's building control team.

He could also refer it to the council's environmental health team for noise nuisance.

Also the council's public or private sector ASBO team, again for noise nuisance.

Without knowing what work has been done, and that it is retrospective in any case, a PW action would be difficult.