Party Wall etc. Act 1996
The Building Safety Levy (BSL) will come into effect on 1 October 2026. It is a tax on new dwellings and new bedspaces in purpose‑built student accommodation (PBSA).
Developers must pay the levy on certain building control applications or notices before completion or occupation of the building. The Council will collect the levy.
The Building Safety Levy (England) Regulations 2025 sets out how the levy will operate.
Changes to how some planning applications are decided from 31 October 2026The Government has introduced new national rules about who decides planning applications.
These rules are formally called the national scheme of delegation. From 31 October 2026, they will decide which applications must be decided by planning officers and which may go to Planning Committee.
The rules will apply to cases decided from that date. We have updated Lewisham’s Constitution to reflect the changes.[
If you intend to build a new property or make changes to an existing property you may need to notify adjoining owners under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Party Wall Notices
If you are intending to carry out building work on your property that structurally impacts or, in some cases, is near a shared wall or boundary, then it is a legal requirement that you serve the adjoining owners with valid Party Wall etc. Act 1996 notice(s) that outline the work and states the correct sections of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
This includes the case where Lewisham Council is the adjoining owner.
Party wall notices to Lewisham Council can be sent to party.wall@lewisham.gov.uk in addition to the address held at the land registry for the property in question.
Party Wall Awards
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 an adjoining owner can either consent or dissent and require that a party wall award is served by one or two surveyors. In most circumstances the building owner carrying out the work has liability for the cost of this process.
Further information
Find out more information about Party Wall etc. Act 1996.