Delivery access across a neighbour's land
Before booking, check whether existing access rights cover the proposed delivery. Obtain written permission for any additional use, agree the vehicle route or crane footprint, record the land's condition and confirm liability cover with the contractors and insurers. Share the agreed plan with Cambridge China Bridge.
Check what existing access rights cover
For a site in England or Wales, check the title register and relevant deeds. The register may contain details of rights over adjoining land. Ask your conveyancer to check the wording against the proposed delivery: vehicle access, unloading, turning, temporary storage and crane use. For a site in Scotland or Northern Ireland, ask a local property solicitor to check the documents.
Give the adviser a marked route and the contractor's proposed method. Ask specifically about vehicle restrictions, notice conditions and any proposed crane movement above neighbouring land. Avoid treating a familiar shared driveway or previous informal delivery as confirmation that this delivery is covered. Keep the booking provisional while the scope remains unclear.
Record permission for the actual delivery
Where additional permission is needed, ask your solicitor to identify whose agreement to obtain, including any owner, occupier or managing agent involved. Seek written permission before confirming the booking. Attach a marked plan showing the route, unloading position, working area and any land or airspace involved in the lift.
Record the agreed arrival window, permitted vehicles and contractors, gate arrangements, protection measures and any access payment. Include whether unloading, storage, crane supports or removing fencing is agreed. Set out reinstatement arrangements and what happens if weather, a delayed shipment or a replacement vehicle changes the plan. Ask for written acceptance of changes.
Agree vehicle and crane access separately
Ask the haulier and lifting contractor to review the neighbour's agreed area before accepting the job. Have them identify turning movements, ground-bearing concerns, buried services, overhead obstacles and the space needed for crane supports. Ask for a drawing of the crane position, support footprint and load path, including any movement over neighbouring buildings or gardens.
HSE guidance says lifting operations should be planned with foreseeable risks taken into account. Name the contractor responsible for planning and supervising the lift, and obtain its written acceptance of the access restrictions. Use our container and oversized delivery guide for package information, unloading arrangements and the wider booking process.
Agree a condition record and repair process
Walk the route with the neighbour and contractor before delivery. Photograph paving, drains, walls, gates, planting and existing cracks or settlement, using wide views and close-ups. Share a dated condition record and ask everyone to acknowledge it. Record the protection to be installed and who will remove it.
Agree who receives damage reports, arranges inspection and approves repairs. Repeat the walk after delivery and record any disagreement promptly. Keep the condition record, permission, contractor instructions and delivery photographs together. If damage occurs, follow our delivery damage guide for evidence and complaint handling.
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Confirm liability cover before releasing the booking
Ask the haulier and lifting contractor for current public liability insurance details. Send the proposed access agreement to your broker and ask the contractors to check it with their insurers. Request written confirmation about damage to the neighbour's land, crane operations, subcontractors, exclusions, excesses and any liabilities you are being asked to accept. Arrange any additional cover before booking.
Check cover for the goods separately using our cargo insurance guide. Release the booking only when permission, the contractor's method, condition recording and insurance arrangements are settled. Give the driver the same plan and a named contact. If access is refused or unsuitable, consider receiving without a warehouse and agree an alternative before dispatch.
Frequently asked questions
Does my right of way cover a delivery lorry?
Ask your conveyancer to compare the wording with the actual vehicle and proposed use. Have unloading, turning and crane supports checked separately before confirming the booking.
What should written neighbour permission include?
Attach the route and working-area plan. Record the arrival window, vehicles, contractors, crane movements, protection, reinstatement, damage reporting and how changes will be agreed.
Can a crane lift goods over my neighbour's garden?
Show the proposed load path to your property adviser and neighbour. Resolve any permission needed and obtain the lifting contractor's acceptance before booking; include overhead movement in the written plan.
Does cargo insurance cover damage to my neighbour's drive?
Do not assume it does. Ask insurers about that specific loss and check the haulier's and lifting contractor's liability cover, exclusions and excesses before agreeing access terms.