party wall and fire break

[northern monkey]

I currently own a 200 year old stone cottage which I rent out. The roof is of stone construction and is in poor condition (flashings around the chimney are non existant and there are numerous damaged tiles.).
I am planning a re-roof in stone (conservation area) and at the same time wish to build the party wall up into the loft space (to meet current regs as there is no fire break between my cottage and next door).
The owner of the property next door appears to be reluctant to allow this work to happen - let alone contribute to the cost of installing the wall (he rents out the property as well).
My question is wether we have a legal obligation to install this fire break. I want to do this work anyway as regardless of what he thinks, I think we have a moral obligation to protect our tennants. My only concern is if he remains reluctant, can he stop me from doing this work?
Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated

 

[Gervase]

My understanding is that if there is not a significant change - such as an attic or loft conversion - then such work will not be necessary.
Thus, if your roof is simply a repair, like-for-like, then I don't think that will constitute as big enough change to bring in Part B of the builiding regs.
I may be wrong, however - and your situation could be dependent on the nature of the lease you offer tenants.

 

[northern monkey]

Thanks for your thoughts.
The tennancy is a standard 6 months assured and so I don't think that will affect it. I will wait and see what reply I get from the owner of the neighbouring property.
The inclusion of this type of fire break shouldn't affect the ventilation to the loft space too much should it?

 

[Penners]

The inclusion of this type of fire break shouldn't affect the ventilation to the loft space too much should it?

That's a difficult question to answer without a proper inspection of the loft space.

If the ventilation of your roof had deteriorated for any reason, and it was relying on your neightbour's side to maintain air circulation, then dividing off the two halves might affect yours.

However, if the ventilation in your half is currently suffficient, then the dividing wall shouldn't have any detrimental effect.

 

[northern monkey]

I'll make sure there is sufficient ventillation incorperated in the re-roof which is planned.

Thanks again for your help