Parapet wall function?

[banana12]

We have drawings and approval for our rear extension, and are in the process of drafting the party wall agreement. Our adjoining neighbour has raised a concern that the parapet wall facing his property is 5-6 bricks high, and in order to sign the the party wall agreement he wants this removed right up to the lead flashings.
Can someone explain whether this is advisable to do? Is it in our interests to keep that parapet wall? Is it in his rights to demand it in order to sign the party wall agreement? We have a joint party wall surveyor, but I am worried the party wall agreement won't be issued if we don't agree to remove the parapet wall that our architect has drawn. Of course, If it's non essential we would be happy to remove it in order to keep our neighbour on side. Our architect has advised us not to remove it but wasn't clear about why.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

What is the detail/waterproofing of the parapet wall, what is the purpose of the parapet wall, is it required as that was what was approved by the planners? What specifically is your neighbours reasoning? Questions questions ...... Ask your architect/neighbour these and come back.

 

[Footsoldier888]

If you have appointed a joint surveyor you are already in a Party Wall agreement, so there will be no need for the neighbour to sign anything.

You have issued the notice, if the neighbour does not sign within 14 days you move to the next stage, appointing a surveyor, which you say you have done.

It is now up to the surveyor to administer the PWA and he will make the decisions and tell you when you can start building.

 

[^woody^]

in order to sign the the party wall agreement

We have a joint party wall surveyor,

It's one or the other. If you have a joint surveyor, the neighbour signs nothing and can't demand anything.

Parapet wails perform a specific function and should not be altered on a whim.

 

[banana12]

Thanks everyone for your responses which were very helpful; however I think it is now moot as we are changing our design completely!

 

[bernardgreen]

what is the purpose of the parapet wall,

One of the original reasons for parapet walls on roofs was to reduce the risk of fire spreading across the boundary.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

One of the original reasons for parapet walls on roofs was to reduce the risk of fire spreading across the boundary.

Do you think that's the purpose here?

 

[bernardgreen]

Do you think that's the purpose here?

Probably not but not impossible.