neighbours want to remove there part of the chimney

[bongoboy]

my neighbours are hoping to having there chimney breasts removed on both floors, there are two chimney stacks on the roof on the party wall.
can they take down there half of the chimney stack and will it have any effect my property.
many thanks

[hopalong]

Chimney breast are supporting walls and need careful removal otherwise the roof will collasps

[jackthehat]

Of course they can take their chimney-stack down, but they have a duty to make sure that your side is rebuilt to a satisfactory and weatherproofed standard.

Is your chimney-stack 'live'?

[boxtops]

My neighbours did that, as long as they have suitable beams holding up the wall above the chimney breast it should be fine. They could just seal the chimneys and leave them there, why don't they do that? Depends how old your house is too - our pairs of chimney stacks seem to be holding each other up.

[bongoboy]

Thanks for your answers. No my chimney isn't live.
Hopefully it will be done properly.

[jackthehat]

Have you considered bunging them a few quid to do your side at the same time, in that case?

[The Builder]

I know this is going to sound sneaky, Bongo....... but that job is structural. It should be done under Building Regulations. If they've been notified and are doing the inspections, then the Inspector will make it part of his job to see that no harm comes to your side.

If not, well ........... reporting it could be your last resort if you become concerned about anything.

[bongoboy]

The Builder, thanks for your answer

the neighbours have only been living here about 4 months, don't really know them that well, they keep themselves to themselves only mentioned there plans to us a few days ago, so i don't know if they have got the building inspector involved.

Do you think the removal of the chimney breasts indoors would have any effect on my walls, i guess it shouldn't because of the cavity walls, just wondered what your thoughts were.

thanks again 'The Builder'

[The Builder]

I doubt if it's a cavity, Bongo, it's not an external wall. Probably a solid separating wall. Apart from noise and vibration from a small demolition hammer, it shouldn't affect you at all.

[bongoboy]

The Builder, thanks for the reply

I didn't realise the wall is probably not a cavity wall.

[anjlegs]

We had a chimney breast removed on two floors in our house . Got an architect involved and building regulations approved . The architect also spoke to the neighbours to reassure them that it would,nt make any difference to there property .