The Government decision to rule out a fundamental review on manorial rights has been welcomed by the CLA.
The decision was set in the Government’s formal response to a report of the Justice Select Committee published in January.
The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses and gave evidence to the inquiry, welcomed the Government’s decision not to undertake a fundamental review of manorial rights as concerns surrounding decreasing property values or the ability to sell due to the presence of manorial rights have not materialised in practice.
Manorial rights apply to land formerly belonging to a Manor that has since become freehold. The Lord of the Manor, in many cases has retained these rights which relate to mines and minerals as well as sporting rights. However, before they can be exercised, the permission of the current landowner is needed.
CLA Director of Policy and Advice Christopher Price said: “We are pleased the Government have agreed with us that there is no need to undertake a review of manorial rights. We agree that a review would be costly and time-consuming and that the benefits of reform are unclear.
“We are open to discussion on how the current system could work better, especially with regard to how landowners communicate with those affected by their manorial rights, but as our evidence showed we are not convinced there is a need for legal interventions that could have a range of unintended consequences.”
