adopted highway dispute

[urgenthelp]

i just bought a house with no designated car parking.

there is enough land at the front of the house to drive a car into the front garden.

however to get over to the front garden i must pass an 'adopted highway' or a strip of pathway which i want my vehicle to go over.

the council says this is fine but need permission from the legal owner of the land.

i have contacted the legal owner and he is requesting an unjustifiable amount of money. (ransom money!)

can he do this?
can i go to highway agency and get a dropped curve?
where do i stand?

your help is much appreciated

[jackthehat]

They are commonly known as 'ransom strips' for exactly the reasons you describe.

Yes he can do this.
You may still need to show that you have his permission before you can get the kerb dropped.
Pretty much stuffed with regard to this matter, I'm afraid...............

[bednobs]

unless you pay of course