Advice needed on blocked right of way

gmgmgm

KS1977 wrote: »

Yes, that's one thing I am thinking of. Maybe it's just worth gritting my teeth and bearing it for now. I don't want to make things awkward for myself really, although really, I should be able to get to the back of my house without having to 'fight' it out with the neighbours.

You said your father-in-law had tried to have a word- unsuccessfully.

Have you tried to ask neighbours? There must be at least one reasonably, normal neighbour near you who can help sort this out without involving solicitors or bolt-cutters!!

lincroft1710

KS1977 wrote: »

....My point is that it should be a right of way, and right now it isn't. Everyone else in the row of terraced houses has an access point out of the back of the property. We don't! It's awkward for moving things from the front to the back...ie. Lawnmowers and garden equipment. If there wasn't any point, there shouldn't be any passage ways/ alley ways along side the houses to get to the back....but there are

It is no use saying it "should" be a right of way, there either is or is not a formal right of way. Your deeds will confirm if there is a right of way. If there is then you will have to take necessary action to enforce this if the r-o-w is being denied. If no formal r-o-w then you will have to sweet talk your neighbours.

bilb27_2

Speak to your Local Authority Environmental Health Department. They are locking a MOE from your property and the EH can force them to remove it. You must have access available to the rear exit from the property.

Wee_Willy_Harris

bilb27 wrote: »

Speak to your Local Authority Environmental Health Department. They are locking a MOE from your property and the EH can force them to remove it. You must have access available to the rear exit from the property.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrjwaqZfjIY

There is no requirement that you must have access available to the rear exit from a property. Even the briefest glance at google earth will show you that plenty of urban properties have no such access. The MOE, from an EH or H+S viewpoint is the back door.

bilb27_2

Not strictly true. You need to be able to get to a place of safety and an enclosed area is not this. Think of how many houses you see that do not have rear access? Not many.

lincroft1710

There are plenty of 1 bed houses that only have one door and also purpose built and converted flats where there is only one door into the building. Most flats/apartments only have one door.

bilb27_2

Yes but they dont have enclosed rear gardens. I have dealings with this every day in my job. Believe me I am right.

Flats are made to have a single escape route due to high standards of construction and compartmentation. Houses require 2 ways out.

I may be wrong but try the LAEH and bow before my greatness.:beer:

lucylucky

bilb27 wrote: »

Not strictly true. You need to be able to get to a place of safety and an enclosed area is not this. Think of how many houses you see that do not have rear access? Not many.

I better get my SIL to move then, and get all her neighbours to do likewise.

From her back door she has access to her walled back garden.
No lane no nothing else, just her garden.

Her whole street is like that.

lincroft1710

I've just remembered a friend had a 2 bed 1980s built inner terrace house where the only access to back garden was through the back door of the house.

Wee_Willy_Harris

bilb27 wrote: »

Not strictly true. You need to be able to get to a place of safety and an enclosed area is not this. Think of how many houses you see that do not have rear access? Not many.

Not many? Hmmmm... Leaving aside the fact that I think it's more than you realise, according to your own interpertation there should be none!

But take a look at many of the terraced developements of the 60's and 70's.