In the UK who is the final arbiter in boundary disputes?

Question

I have a copy of the Land registry title deeds for mine and my neighbour's properties that both say the boundary is the edge of his house. He insists it is a line midway between the properties as he has a somewhat unclear drawing that supposedly shows this from the original development plans. However, the land in question is of no use to him as he has no access to it but he still insists it's his. I would like to drop him in the nearest river but realise I need to do this legally. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Surveyor?

Answer 2

The original development plans are irrelevant.  If the title deeds show the property line being the edge of his house, that is the way it is.  He would have to somehow show a court that the land registry is incorrect if he wants to claim the land.

Question: who bought first?  If he bought first, then even IF he can show there was a mistake from years ago, he will have a tough time getting relief, because you bought on the reasonable assumption that the line was as registered.  If he bought after you, he might have a slightly better chance, because he could claim he had the development drawings and assumed they were correct.

Either way, he's got to go to court to prove the Land Registry is wrong, which is a tough uphill battle for him.  If you want to force him into that, simply put up a fence on what you assume is the legal line (making sure you have all the correct permits and approvals, of course).

I'd avoid the river thing.  Too much paperwork if you get caught.