Right of way?

Greenbanana_2

Hello,
Please could anyone tell me if there is a 'pattern' to the Right of Way that applies to terraced houses.

For example, in a row of 6 terraced houses would all occupants Right of Way go in the same direction, or would houses 1,2 and 3 go left and 4,5 and 6 go right. Or is every row of terraces different?

Hope someone understands what I mean! Thanks in advance

pimento

Right of way over what?

boliston

Greenbanana wrote: »

Hello,
Please could anyone tell me if there is a 'pattern' to the Right of Way that applies to terraced houses.

For example, in a row of 6 terraced houses would all occupants Right of Way go in the same direction, or would houses 1,2 and 3 go left and 4,5 and 6 go right. Or is every row of terraces different?

Hope someone understands what I mean! Thanks in advance

I'd imagine that if there was a path that served all six properties, but with an exit at each end then all residents would be able to use the exit of their choice, even if it was not the "closest" exit.

Anyway it would be almost impossible to "police" any other rule on a shared path!

macman

I think the OP is talking about who is responsible for the fences maybe?

Greenbanana_2

Sorry I know I have not been very clear.
I mean there are usually gates in the fences in the back gardens of terrace properties, so that the occupants of the mid terrace houses can get access to the main road to take the wheelie bin up etc, by going through the neighbours gardens.
Im wondering in theory could I block the gate by building an extension if I lived in the 3rd house in a row of 4, as no-one would 'need' to go through my garden to get out.
Could the access gate just simply be moved further down my fence ?
I think I remember seeing on someone elses house deeds that the right of way had arrows, but this may not be right and as I dont own house in question I cannot check deeds.
Probably still not very clear !

boliston

Greenbanana wrote: »

Sorry I know I have not been very clear.
I mean there are usually gates in the fences in the back gardens of terrace properties, so that the occupants of the mid terrace houses can get access to the main road to take the wheelie bin up etc, by going through the neighbours gardens.
Im wondering in theory could I block the gate by building an extension if I lived in the 3rd house in a row of 4, as no-one would 'need' to go through my garden to get out.
Could the access gate just simply be moved further down my fence ?
I think I remember seeing on someone elses house deeds that the right of way had arrows, but this may not be right and as I dont own house in question I cannot check deeds.
Probably still not very clear !

I don't think "need" will come into it, as the title deeds should say whether someone has access across your land or not.

Shared access is a "hot potato" that your solicitor should have thoroughly checked out at the time of purchase as this is one of the main things that could make or break any future sale.

Mojisola

It depends what your deeds say. If the RoW is on the deeds, you have to maintain it as it is.

laurel7172

I think it's a right of access, rather than a right of way.

When I lived at the end of a terrace accessway, I had a right of access over my neighbour's land to the back of my house. I would have been very, very reluctant to give up that right, in case of any unforeseen knock-on effect on my own house's resale value later on. And I wouldn't have fancied having a shared access gate set into my fence where there wasn't one before, either.

Sorry to be so negative, but unless you have VERY understanding neighbours, you might struggle on this one. Have you thought about ringing the planning department and asking them if they have any experience of this?

boliston

laurel7172 wrote: »

..... And I wouldn't have fancied having a shared access gate set into my fence where there wasn't one before, either....

Yep, it would be dangerous to grant access where none existed as I think there is some rule that says it can become permanent if done "informally" for a certain number of years.

vaio

[FONT=&quot]I live in the middle of a similar terrace and our deeds say the right of way goes both ways, you really need to check the deeds. Land registry will give you a copy for a couple of quid [/FONT]

ic

I live in an end terrace, and have to provide a right of way for the other three houses in the terrace, including the house at the other end of the terrace which have their own access down the side of their house. My deeds actually show a marked path - its location and width.

Talking to the solicitor when buying the house, he explained that I should build nothing but temporary structures on the right of way (fence and shed), as all it takes is for one person to move in later and demand their right of way - and as their deeds would show it, they'd be entitled to it. If I wanted to build over the right of way, or adjust it, I'd have to talk with my neighbours and probably get all the deeds changed to show the new agreements.

In my case, the house at the far end have blocked off their access to the path that I provide, but there is nothing to stop them getting a gate put back and walking round my way.