The Party Wall etc Act 1996 came into force of law on July 1, 1997 throughout all of  England & Wales. The Act was based on London Building Acts which were found to be successful for many decades before it was extended to apply to all of England and Wales. It is intended to foster development while still protecting the rights of adjacent property owners. The Party Wall etc Act 1996 created a framework for resolving party wall disputes in relation to certain aspects of construction, renovation, and excavation with the purpose of attempting to avoid court action and expensive and costly delays.