squaters rights

[didgery]

I have Stored and used a council workshop for over 30 years unnaposed I have never had to pay any rent now the council have broken down my door scattered all my workshop tools motor spares ect locked an entrance gate but will not let me have a key how can claim my rights and should they me a court notice for possession ?

[buildersmate]

Your entitlement or not will depend on whether you originally had permission. If you did, claim to a title by Adverse Possession won't apply (irrespective of you not having to pay rent. Does this workshop have its own entrance gate off a public highway? If you have to go over council land to get to it, have you ever been challenged about accessing the workshop? I ask this question because if its not directly accessed off a public highway, a second issue will arise related to your legal right of access (which you may have also acquired through Prescriptive Rights)

[didgery]

Hi Builders Mate,
no I have never had permission I have had complaints for banging and repairing cars over the years but I have never been asked by the council to vacate , it is owned by the council and it is in a block of lock up garages owned by the council they want me out now as they wish to demolish the garages the entrance I have allways used is the entry to lockups now they have put a gate up and padlocked it and I now cant use workshop I can prove I have been their for approx 30 years , it was originaly the council plumbers workshop ,
thanks for answer Didgery

[themas]

From what you say, it looks as if you may have acquired rights of ownership by Adverse Possession, and a right of way over the council land giving access to the lock-up.

However, taking this any further will be a legal matter and could be costly for you if you fail. You could see a solicitor and get advice on both issues, and some idea of likely costs if you decided to try to enforce your rights (assuming the solicitor agrees you may have such rights).