Adopted Land

[philipliamward]

I own a shop that has a frontage. Some years ago the council tried to compulsory purchase this frontage so that they could resurface it in line with the rest of the street.

I did not want to sell the land, hence refused and as the council wanted to get on with the works they agreed that I could remain owner of the land if I had no objections to them block paving it.

Some years later when I wanted to place something on this land i.e chairs etc and have been told that it is public highway and am not allowed to do this.

They showed me the plans and they have highlighted that it is part of the public highway.

Are they within their rights to do this as I never said they could adopt but just to resurface? What are my rights?

[rowanwitch]

Did you get anything in writing?

[tamborine]

if the land is marked as yours on deeds ignore council &charge them rent for bricks.

[rowanwitch]

check the land registry...?

[philipliamward]

Land not registered as it has not changed owners for years.

It was actually my father who I have classed as me, dont think there was a paperwork trail.

Going to get the deeds back form the bank and see what is marked out.

If it is marked on deeds then where do I stand, does anyone know from a law perspective?

[tamborine]

If the land is yours the council would not be able to claim ownership. my bruv sent his council a bill for siting lamp on his land, council moved the lamp next day :)

[philipliamward]

Ok, so even if the council have adopted this land (so they say) if I can prove I own it, (which I can then) then they can not stop me from putting something in the land, even if they have designated as public highway?

[cassa333]

Ah so many people 'own' land but where roads and pavements are concerned you can't necessarily do what you want with it.

Shop fronts can be a bone of contention with businesses for so many reasons.

Technicly they were right when they said you still owned the land but they probably have the right to stop you from putting tables or other shop stuff outside by saying you need planning permission or something.