A recent case in the Court of Appeal has demonstrated how important it is for developers to ensure that all of the land they wish to acquire and/or develop has the benefit of all required easements. In Parker and Another -v- Roberts, the Court ruled that an obligation to contribute towards the maintenance of a private road does not mean there is an implied right of way over the private road.
Express Right of Way not Granted?
In this case an express right of way had been granted to benefit land owned by a developer, but it did not expressly extend to other adjoining land that the developer also owned (and wanted to develop). The fact that the developer (as owner of the adjoining land) was required to contribute to the maintenance of the road was not enough to give him an implied right to use the road to reach such adjoining land.
No Access to A Public Highway
The developer is currently unable to develop the adjoining land as it does not have any access to a public highway. This is an important case as it reminds developers and their solicitors to check that every plot comprising a development site has all the necessary express rights/easements required.
ENDS FEBRUARY 2019
About the Author: Caryn Beidas
Caryn is an Associate Director in the Property Team with over 18 years’ experience. Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2000, Caryn has specialised in residential development.
As part of the Property Team, Caryn advises national house builders, affordable housing providers and other developers. She also acts for smaller niche developers. Her client list includes Barratt, McCarthy & Stone, London Square Developments and Inland Homes.
Caryn’s work includes large complex mixed-use developments, town centre regeneration schemes, urban regeneration schemes, site acquisitions and Section 106 Agreements.
About Owen White:
Owen White Solicitors was formed as a partnership in 1988 and was incorporated in 2013.
Owen White Solicitors can provide advice on:
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