Cowbrook Mill - Residents Right of Way Restricted

Right Of Way

It's a funny old thing, even after years since selling Cowbrook Mill I still feel a responsibility to the surrounding residents..

The property was a huge part of my family’s life for over 90 years and as such, I can not shake off the sense of responsibility I have towards the close by residents to whom my Grandfather granted a right of way across the 'Common Ground' to enable access to Sheffield Road from Cowbrook Avenue..

When the ground level boiler house and upper level double and 3 single garages, now known collectively as Cowbrook Mill, was converted into a dwelling, annexes to both levels were added which included the removal of a protected tree and more recently a raised stone flower bed has since been erected and takes away some more of that access which begs the question, how much reduction of the right of way is acceptable? We already have restricted access by way of a small gate (less than a 'Barrow's width'). So, to fit my wheel barrow through I have to punch in a code to open the electric gate. I beleive that when some of the property was sold off a right of way and parking space for two cars was granted to the buyers and from what I have gathered they have (along with the owners) wireless control of the gate?..

Heated Discussion

I first noticed that a raised stone bed had been erected when my gate no longer opened.

When I eventually opened it by undoing the hinges I realised that the concrete post footing had been disturbed by way of a mini digger. I raised the issue with the owner pointing out that the end of the stone bed restricts my access as i may want to place a gate there. The reply was, we didn't know you wanted a gate there? I replied 'you didn't ask us!'.

Anyhoo, I have decided that we need to make our presence known. Reducing our fence height by some 5 feet should do the trick! I am under no obligation to fence off our property as our dividing line is the existing pavement around our rear garden even though, this has been somewhat obscured by the raising the ground level outside of our boundary..

Here is an example of inconsiderate parking by virtually every vehicle in the owners household.

Quote from the new owners after a slight disagreement 'the right of way is for a 'barrow.. I doubt my neighbour would fit one through this new (shortened) gap!

Yes, there is a gate for two separate residents access: