Access and Rights Over Land Level 1 Flashcards
What legislation do Section 31 (6) applications fall under?
Highways Act 1980 for rights of way. Commons Act 2006 if for village greens/commons land.
How long do Section 31(6) applications last?
20 years
What is the name of the form submitted under Section 31(6) applications and what supporting documents are required?
CA16 form and a plan of a scale at 1:10,000
What are the components of a Section 31(6) statement and declaration?
Information relevant to the application/applicant, statement, declaration, additional information and statement of truth.
Note the statement and declaration cannot be submitted at the same time.
Why are s.31(6)’s important?
They enable landowners to protect their land from gaining public rights of way through use by the public.
What are the timings for adverse possession?
10 years for registered land, 12 years for unregistered land.
The applicant must have occupied the land without force, without secrecy and without permission for this period.
What legislation does trespass/encroachment come under?
Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
Outline what you understand from the Telecommunications Code?
The Telecoms Code provides utilities companies with more powers to compulsorily purchase land to put on equipment for the betterment of the telecommunications system nationally.
What is a boundary?
A line which marks the limits of an area. They can include walls, fences, hedges and trees for example.
What are the options available for finalising negotiations on encroachment or trespass?
A garden agreement can be put in place to document the occupation, or if possible a signed letter confirming the occupation. This will stop time running for any potential adverse possession claims.
What is a Tree Preservation Order?
Tree Preservation Order - order made by a local planning authority to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in the interests of amenity.
What is the Green Belt?
Green Belt - policy for controlling urban growth, where development is restricted.
What is a Conservation Area?
Conservation Area – designation to manage and protect the special architectural and historic interest of a place.
What are the required scales for plans submitted to LPAs?
Location plan 1:1,250
Site place 1:500
Drawings 1:50
What is the difference between a Wayleave and an Easement?
Wayleave – terminable licence that is linked to the owners of the land not the land itself
Easement – permanent statutory access agreement that relates to the land itself
What is adverse possession?
Legal principle that allows a person who possesses the land for an extended period of time to claim legal title.
What is encroachment?
Act of gradually entering someone else’s land
What is a schedule of condition?
A Schedule of Condition is a detailed recording of a property’s a condition which is retained to use at a future time to establish the previous condition of the premises.
What is compensation and how is it calculated?
Compensation is something, typically money awarded to someone in recognition of loss. A claim is calculated using several factors, including area of land, type of land/land use, time effected, reinstatement, professional fees.
Where would you go if there was a compensation dispute?
Lands Tribunal under Section 5 of the Land Compensation Act 1961
What are Land Registry compliant plans and when are they used?
Must meet certain criteria (e.g. scale, level of detail, orientation) to be accepted by the Land Registry. Plans are required for first registrations, transfers, leases, unusual extents to land (e.g. tunnels).
What types of compensation are available to Landlords and Tenants?
It depends on the lease terms.
What are included in a Heads of Claim?
Location, area, land taken, acquiring authority, severance, injurious affection, disturbance, accommodation works, crop loss, advance payment and interest, fees, reservation
How would you calculate a crop loss claim?
To calculate a crop loss claim:
1. Measure affected area
2. Multiply by income lost per acre/ha (crop value or scheme payments)
3. Add variable costs (field operations, fertilizers)
4. Include reinstatement costs
Time of year affects calculation:
- May (wheat field): Potential harvest value
- February: Establishment costs + restoration + re-establishment of spring crop + income difference between winter/spring crops
Can you provide me with 3 headings that would make up the compensation claim for your client in Worthing?
Professional fees
Disturbance
Crop loss
Injurious affection
Can you provide me with 3 differences between a wayleave and easement?
Easement relates to the land itself, wayleave relates to the property or landowner.
Wayleave is temporary, easement is permanent
Wayleave is terminable, easement is not.
What is the Water Industry Act 1991?
The Water Industry Act 1991 (amended 2003) is legislation governing water supply and wastewater services in England and Wales, giving water companies powers to acquire and enter land for services.
What are the key sections for land access and works?
- S155 – Compulsory acquisition of land
- S159 – Pipe laying (3 months’ notice for new, 42 days for alterations)
- S160 – Sewerage works
- S167 – Compulsory works order
- S168 – Entry for work purposes (7 days notice for surveys)
What compensation rights exist under the Act?
- Schedule 6 – Compensation for entry (sections 168-172)
- Schedule 11 – Compulsory works powers
- Schedule 12 – Compensation for pipelaying (covers depreciation, loss, damage, disturbance)
How do you calculate a crop loss claim?
- Measure affected area
- Calculate income lost per acre/ha
- Add variable costs
- Include reinstatement costs
Time of year affects calculations:
* May (wheat): Consider potential harvest value
* February: Include establishment costs, restoration, and crop type differences
What is the main legislation governing water and sewerage works in England and Wales?
The Water Industry Act 1991 (amended by Water Act 2003)
Who appoints water and sewerage companies as undertakers?
Companies receive written licenses to provide services in specific areas of England and Wales, regulated by Ofwat
What regulatory power does the Secretary of State have?
The Secretary of State can replace undertakers, modify appointments, and refer cases to the competition commission
What are the five main responsibilities of water undertakers?
1) Develop and maintain economical water supply system
2) Provide and connect water mains
3) Supply water to domestic and non-domestic premises
4) Provide water for firefighting and public purposes
5) Maintain appropriate water pressure and promote efficient use
What notice period is required for new pipe works?
3 months’ notice for new works
What notice period is required for altering existing pipes?
42 days’ notice
What are the two key duties of water undertakers regarding works?
1) Minimise damage during works
2) Compensate for losses and damages
What does compensation for private land cover?
Compensation covers depreciation in land value and other losses or damages
Where are compensation disputes referred to?
Disputes are referred to the Land Tribunal
What happens in emergency situations regarding notice periods?
No notice is required in emergencies
What are the three main duties of sewage undertakers according to Part 3.4 of the Act?
1) Providing and improving public sewers
2) Maintaining and emptying sewer systems
3) Developing new sewer infrastructure
What are the four key land-related powers granted to undertakers in Sections 155-186?
1) Compulsory purchase
2) Creation and acquisition of land rights
3) Entry to land (with three months’ notice) for pipe laying
4) Entry rights for surveys and inspections
What is the primary way water companies prefer to operate regarding land access?
Through agreement or Section 159 notices of entry rather than compulsory purchase powers
What are the key legal references for compulsory purchase powers?
Section 155, referencing the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 and Compulsory Purchase Act 1965
Acquisition of Land Act 1981 and Compulsory Purchase Act 1965
What is Section 155(2) primarily used for?
To acquire interests and rights over land through creating new interests, mainly for pipeline easements
What notice periods are required for pipe works under Section 159?
- 3 months for new works
- 42 days for existing pipe alterations
- No notice required in emergencies
What are the main entry rights under Sections 168-172?
- Boreholes and surveys
- Water searches
- Regulation compliance
- Sewage inspections
- Meter reading
Where is compensation for entry-related damages covered?
Under Schedule 6