Worldwide: Land Law & Agriculture

When a neighbour's farming business diversifies into new activities like falcon breeding or scaffolding operations, can the resulting noise, smell or disturbance lead to legal liability? A recent Court of Appeal case reveals the crucial distinction between nuisance and negligence claims, and why planning permission alone won't protect rural businesses from costly disputes with their neighbours.

Private landowners may unknowingly lose control of their property when members of the public acquire rights of way through continuous use over 20 years, even without the owner's knowledge or consent. This analysis examines the legal mechanisms available to protect against such claims, including the strategic use of section 31(6) statements under the Highways Act 1980, and explores recent Court of Appeal guidance on what constitutes an 'interruption' to public use following the landmark Roxlena Ltd v Rambler

With the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill now passed, the land management obligations for large landowners have been more clearly defined.