Land access rights

[Will2605]

Hi there,

My partner and I are considering purchasing some land in the west country that features the ruins of a cottage that was destroyed by fire some 60 years ago.

Access to the land is via a dead end track (understood to be a bridleway) the site is half way up this track. At the end of the track are two farm properties.

I have spent a few hours looking through the particulars and old planning history. One neighbour had suggested that access rights on the the site should not be assumed since the ownership agreement apparently was worded in a way that suggested rights only extended to time when the cottage was in use.

Surely this is incorrect and any owner of the land (or visitor) should by definition have access to it?

I think I've found the relevant section of the road traffic act but the legal language is lost on me!

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga.../34/2010-04-29

Any help or suggestion on how to get to the bottom of this would be gratefully received.

[IdefixUK]

Hello Will2605,

Would it be possible for you to post the wording regarding the access to the land upon which the burned down cottage exists, be sure to remove any reference to the address or people.
It is possible that access is by use of an easement over neighbouring land. Sometimes words such as "occupiers/owners for the time being"are used in the wording of easements, but this doesn't mean just the first owners who negotiated the easement.

Regards

[Ukmicky]

Can we see the wording please

[Sam101]

Have you spoken with the two farm property owners? Often others who have right of way along a bridal pathway will have information that they are prepared to share.

However, if the land in question is for sale, then I would expect those selling to have enough information for a buyer, or at least know where to get it.