WE NEED YOUR HELP PROTECT MATTISHALL FROM FLOODING
AND THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE! DO YOU KNOW WHAT RIPARIAN RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES ARE?
30 November 2023
If a watercourse/ditch is shown as being part of your property on deeds or Land Registry map, then it is your responsibility to properly maintain it. However, if any of your land borders a natural watercourse, has natural water running through or under it, or you have a ditch adjacent to your property you are likely to be a Riparian Rights owner. Under Riparian Rights, you may be surprised by the extent of your responsibilities and why it is extremely important you adhere to them.
Being aware of your responsibilities under Riparian Rights, and those of your neighbours, would be prudent and would allow you to protect not just your property but that of your neighbours as well from the risk of flooding.
These are only some, but not all, of your responsibilities under Riparian Rights:
YOU MUST ALLOW the water to flow naturally and keep the watercourse clear of debris at all times.
YOU MUST MAINTAIN the bed and banks and any trees & vegetation thereon.
YOU MUST NOT alter or block or obstruct the watercourse in any way
YOU MUST NOT increase the risk of flooding and erosion for you or your neighbours land.
YOU MUST NOT pollute the water
It is important that WE ALL take the necessary steps possible to help minimise the risks of flooding in Mattishall. By working together, we can achieve this and also help offset the effects of climate change.
Failure to acknowledge your duties under Riparian Rights could lead to prosecution if you do not carry out your legal responsibilities.
Additional information is available here:
