Neighbours locked in furious row over one of Britain’s oldest pubs – with caravan site owners accused of ‘grabbing’ land
ONE of Britain's oldest pubs is at the centre of a land row after the owners of a neighbouring caravan site were accused of "grabbing" land on the historic site.
The Fleur De Lys in the village of Pilley in Hampshire New Forest has been serving customers since 1096.
However, the owners of the mobile home park next door are now claiming "squatters" rights' for part of the site, sparking fury among the locals.
Residents fear the land grab could lead to more caravans on land, which has been used by the inn's regulars since the 11th century, risking the loss of a key "village amenity".
The dispute is over land on both sides of the road to the caravan park across from the thatched-roof pub, said to be the oldest in the New Forest.
Historically, the land has been used as a car park for the pub but also events at the nearby primary school and village hall.
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Yet, the Land Registry does not have anyone registered as legally owning the plot.
Kathleen and Charles Fitzgerald, owners of the mobile home park, have applied for legal ownership of the land on their side, claiming they have a right to own it through adverse possession.
This means someone can claim legal ownership of the land after continuously using it for some time, typically around ten years.
Neighbours in Pilley, where homes can reach a whopping £1.3million, have opposed the application to the Land Registry.
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They claim the land belongs to the Fleur De Lys pub, with councillors worrying that the pub could lose its dedicated parking.
The Fleur De Lys was established in 1096 with a recorded list of landlords dating back to 1498, making it one of the oldest pubs in the UK.
'REAL LOSS'
Mr and Mrs Fitzgerald began managing the adjacent mobile home park, also named the Fleur De Lys in 2016.
They installed a sign designating parking on one side of the lot exclusively for the caravan site.
Residents claim the couple has also parked several of their five cars on the section of land specifically reserved for the pub’s parking.
Boldre Parish Council has objected to the application, with several councillors expressing concerns that the change could be a "real loss" for the village and might lead to the construction of additional mobile homes on the land.
Councillor Alison Bolton, who has lived in the New Forest for 50 years, said: "There is very strong feeling about it from everybody, it has always been part of the car park for the pub.
"It would leave them with only roadside parking, this is a very old pub.
It is a great worry to everyone
Jo Humphreys, a fellow councillor
"Mobile homes would be put up on that land and that is not the right thing to do."
Jo Humphreys, a fellow councillor who has lived in Sandy Down for 40 years, added that the car park is a "village amenity" used for events.
"It is of great concern locally," the 75-year-old said.
"There has always been a view that was crown land or belonging to the pub and it would be a real loss to the village if it was grabbed, as seems to be happening.
"I think there is a very strong feeling locally to object to the application.
"It is not just for the patrons of the pub, traditionally it has been used as overflow parking for the primary school if they have events and the village hall.
"It is a village amenity and the pub has been generous in allowing it to be used, if this land was lost it would have a huge impact on the village.
"There is a concern that if the park were to successfully gain the land they would probably put more caravans on it.
"It is a great worry to everyone."
Councillor Paula Keen added: "The owners of the mobile home park are trying to have the right to park cars on that area.
"People using the pub have always parked there.
"I hope it does not go through, the pub has been there since the 11th Century."
Other Pilley residents, who did not want to be named, also said they hoped the application wasn't granted.
Locals have reported previous altercations with the couple, who caused a stir earlier this year when New Forest District Council granted them retroactive permission for a twelfth mobile home on the site.
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The caravan park owners have declined to comment on their application.
Stonegate Group, who own the pub, have also been contacted for comment.
How to win a boundary dispute
Disagreements between neighbours are common when boundary disputes arise. It is important to communicate calmly and discuss the issue amicably.
- Seek Expert Legal Advice ASAP
Appointing an experienced property litigation solicitor early in the process will ensure you understand your rights, obligations, and any potential legal actions you can take.
This will likely save both neighbours’ legal and surveyor costs as well as time.
- Collect All Relevant Evidence
Clear and convincing evidence is crucial to winning your boundary dispute.
This can include a surveyor boundary report, title deeds, property plans, historical records, photographs, recorded agreements or restrictions, to name a few.
- Hire a professional land surveyor
A well-prepared survey can provide strong evidence for your case.
- Adhere to the Pre-Action Protocol for Property Disputes
This has been designed to encourage parties to work together to resolve their boundary disputes early.
- Attempt to resolve your case through negotiation and mediation
Be open to negotiation and mediation as a first step. This may help you reach a mutually agreeable solution.
A willingness to compromise can also help to resolve your case quickly.
However, you should be sure that the agreed-upon solution works for you.
- Take Court action if necessary
Should negotiations fail, a strong case, backed by clear evidence and expert testimony, can help win your boundary dispute.
The legal process can take time. So you must stay patient and persistent throughout the boundary dispute resolution process.
Source: Summit Law LLP
