There are various reasons why access may be needed to a piece of land owned by somebody else, and these are formally enacted through easements and wayleave agreements.

A wayleave is an agreement between a landowner and a third party, which permits access to the land for a specific purpose. This are usually used by utility companies for the installation and maintenance of things such as telegraph poles, cables, pipes, pylons etc. They are mid to long term but time limited agreements which usually involve annual payments made to the landowner for the duration of the agreement.

Where more permanent access is required, an easement may provide a better solution. This is a right that someone holds over land owned by somebody else.

Easements are attached to the land and usually they are created by deed for a one off initial cost which may be significant. If registered, they would apply to the land itself so the easement would outlast any change of landowner or occupier.

Our team of experts can assist you with easements and wayleave agreements. If you are contacted with a request for either it is essential that you seek professional advice and fully understand your entitlements and the level of access you are granting as part of any such agreement.

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