Private Access & Freehold Covenants
We frequently act for landholders and homeowners in disputes relating to the benefits and burdens of land. We have particular experience of litigation and Land Registry applications relating to easements based on long-use and express and implied grant and reservation. Our work before the Lands Tribunal includes s.84 Law of Property Act 1925 applications to discharge and modify freehold covenants.

Contact Partner: James Pavey - click here to contact by e-mail.

Public Access
The firm frequently advises landholders and homeowners in relation to public rights of way. Principally, we are instructed to oppose applications to Highways Authorities to create public rights of way under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. We also act for equestrian user groups making such applications. We are currently instructed by landholders in Kent and East Sussex to oppose the Ramblers Association’s flagship footpaths application.

We have advised extensively in relation to the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, successfully appealing against the mapping of "access land" and assisting landholders to accommodate the "right to roam" with minimal intrusion to land use and management.

Contact Partner: James Pavey - click here to contact by e-mail.

Landlord and Tenant
We act for landlords and tenants in a variety of leasehold and licence disputes, both urban and rural, commercial and residential.

Contact Partner: Helen Baker - click here to contact by e-mail.

Possession
We are instructed by farms and estates to repossess land and buildings from travellers and other trespassers. Where land is unlawfully occupied, our emphasis is on the swift and controlled use of lawful, self-help means of repossession. We also recognise the need to move swiftly when obtaining orders for repossession of residential premises and our practice, where possible, is to issue proceedings in the High Court, rather than county courts.

Contact Partner: Helen Baker - click here to contact by e-mail.

Nuisance and Trespass
Our common law practice includes pursuit and defence of nuisance and trespass claims. Such claims arise on a stand-alone basis: for example, pursuing injunctive relief to prevent environmental damage or to stop trespassing campaigners. They also arise in conjunction with other claims: for example, boundary disputes and litigation about the extent of rights of way.

Contact Partner: James Pavey - click here to contact by e-mail.

Heritage Property
We have experience of dealing with issues relating to the control, management and ownership of heritage properties, from medieval Abbey ruins to landscapes by Capability Brown. This has involved acting in disputes with English Heritage as to the proper interpretation of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 and with other public authorities, such as the Environment Agency.

Contact Partner: James Pavey - click here to contact by e-mail.