A Christian church group has brought a legal challenge against the Scout Association for ownership of a plot of land in Bottesford, Leicester.
Grantham Christian Fellowship claims that the scout group registered itself as the freehold owner in 2000 despite being “well aware” that the religious organisation had owned the land for almost 50 years.
The fellowship’s trustees are seeking rectification of the Land Registry title to reflect its ownership. Blackburne J has reserved his decision until later this term.
Grantham Christian Fellowship says that it purchased the land on the southeast side of Albert Street in 1957, for use as a potential Pentecostal church site. It allegedly gave permission for the scout group to use the property in 1959.
According to court documents, the scouts have since constructed a rockery garden, erected a picket fence, planted trees and shrubs and installed a commemorative bench in memory of a former scout leader.
The fellowship says that, since 1985, its visits to the site have been “met with hostility”.
A 2004 application to cancel the scout group’s registration as freehold proprietor was dismissed on the basis that the scouts had “established possessory title”.
Trustees of Grantham Christian Fellowship v Scout Association Trust Corporation Chancery Division (Blackburne J) 15 February 2005.
Geraint Martyn Jones (instructed by Henry Thompson & Sons, of Grantham) appeared for the appellant; the respondent appeared in person.
References: EGi Legal News 17/02/05
