When planning building work that will affect a party wall, it is necessary to follow the "party wall process" before starting the actual work. This involves serving notice to all owners of adjoining properties (the adjoining owners) to inform them of the planned construction.
The notice gives the adjoining owners a specified period of time to respond and to appoint a surveyor if they wish to do so. If they do not respond, you proceed as if they have refused and hire a surveyor. Hearing details of the planned work and any objections, the surveyors then make a decision called a "Party Wall Award."
When the other side doesn't agree, you really do have a dispute. There is always the possibility of getting a counter notice and that is an opportunity in which to try to resolve any outstanding issues. If you get a counter notice, it also means that you are in dispute.
If you need a Party Wall Award, the first step is to appoint a surveyor to manage the process. Although, this will incur a cost against you, the Building Owner, but it is a necessary and even beneficial aspect of the process. If appointing a surveyor seems daunting, then remember that you are effectively delegating tasks to your surveyor, who is meant to help you resolve any matters in the process. For more specific guidance, do get in touch with one of our experienced Canterbury RICS party wall surveyors.