Part 4Miscellaneous
Intervention powers
45Powers of local authorities over unclaimed land
1
This section applies where—
a
land is registered as common land or a town or village green;
b
no person is registered in the register of title as the owner of the land; and
c
it appears to a local authority in whose area the land or any part of it is situated that the owner cannot be identified.
2
The local authority may—
a
take any steps to protect the land against unlawful interference that could be taken by an owner in possession of the land; and
b
institute proceedings against any person for any offence committed in respect of the land (but without prejudice to any power exercisable apart from this section).
3
In this section “local authority” means—
a
a county, district or parish council in England;
b
a London borough council; and
c
a county, county borough or community council in Wales.