Unregistered land

[hardy49]

We have a Bridle Path that runs behind our properties and we have found out that,according to Land Registry,it is unregistered. It is being used as a "rat run"by motorists and not long ago we had a stolen car set alight there.
Would it be possible for us residents to "register"the land,and,if so,what money would we have to pay and to whom ?

[themas]

Only the owner can register it. It is possible to build up a right of ownership by adverse possession but this involves fencing off the land and doing so for many years (I believe it is still 12) without objection from anyone else. I think there is info. on the process on the land registry web site.

[buildersmate]

Yes, that's right, Themas.
Hardy49 - did you not post about this a few weeks ago? I'm afraid if you have now found out that no-one actually owns it, there's not much more you can do. As a right of way, the local authority has the obligation to maintain it and 'owns' the surface of it, but not the land underneath it.
If it is bridleway it is for foot and horses only and could be limited to 2 metres wide only (the minimum width for a bridleway). But whether you can persuade the local authority to put bollards up at the ends to prevent motor vehicles getting down there is another matter. Try Highways and see what they say.

[hardy49]

Thanks to you both.Yes I did post about this earlier and then found out that it is unregistered.We have been on to the council about it for the five years we have lived here,and our neighbours for over twenty years,but they do nothing.As this area has been designated as a National Park it makes even less sense !!! It seems that we all have to bow down to the selfish motorists !!!

Thanks again

[themas]

Have you tried having a go at the National Park authority about it? And/or involve your local councillor to try & put pressure on the Council.

[hardy49]

We are on to the local councillors but I will try the National Parks Authority.
Many thanks