The CLA which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses welcomes the Committee’s acknowledgement of the continued relevance and value of manorial rights to a range of landowners that includes charities and schools, but urged caution over a suggestion that rights should be limited or abolished.

The CLA gave evidence to the Inquiry by the Justice Select Committee which has published a report recommending that the Law Commission undertake a full review. The report asks the Law Commission carry out a review to assess whether the law relating to manorial rights should be changed, including whether all or some categories should be abolished and how legislation could appropriately address human rights and compensation issues.

Manorial rights apply to land formerly belonging to a manor that has since become freehold. The owner of the manor, or 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 President Henry Robinson said: “We welcome the fact that MPs have looked at this matter and it is striking they received only a small number of representations suggesting there are concerns. The Committee evidence indicates some isolated examples of concerns but no sense that the system was not working effectively overall.

“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 we are not convinced there is a need for legal interventions that could have a range of unintended consequences.”

In evidence submitted to the Committee during its Inquiry, the Government made clear it is aware of some concern but not aware of any actual problems in practice. It also stated it does not plan to undertake a review of manorial rights or to request the Law Commission to undertake such a review. The Government is now expected to respond to the Committee’s report within 60 days.