How do I gain access over a neighbour’s road?

My two neighbours own a 30m stretch of road and eight nearby properties have had right of way on this for over 50 years. I would now like to gain right of way for a new development of three properties on adjoining land that I currently own. The road is unadopted and in a bad state of repair but without gaining access from my neighbours, my development site would be land locked. What is the best way to approach my neighbours? I know one quite well, but do not know the other.

is sounds like a good opportunity for you and the best place to start is to engage with the other landowners. Because you own the plot, you are in a good position to develop – but you don’t necessarily have all the cards to play this through yourself.

In my work as an architect, I often come across such ransom strips, where the landowner of the access knows all too well that they have control over any development happening on an adjoining site. As ever, you will need to negotiate a deal with the other parties involved. is is likely to be an upfront payment to gain another right of way to your site, probably along with the right to lay new services through this road. I expect that there will be further monetary consideration to be put forward, as well as bringing the road into good order.

I would suggest you approach the situation openly. Discuss your intentions with the parties; what profit you are looking to make and what you intend to offer them that would make it worthwhile to grant you access to the site. Hopefully, with your honest and inclusive approach, you can then reach a sensible win-win agreement for everyone.