u/Lazy_Cattle_2501

Help! What are my rights?

I live in a terraced house with an alleyway between my property and my neighbours’. According to the title deeds, the alleyway is shared access for “coal and dust only.” However, for over 20 years, no one has used the alleyway apart from us.

One neighbour is now selling their property, and the prospective buyers want formal access rights to use the alleyway.

A few important points:

1. I have always managed and maintained the alleyway myself and pay for the lighting via my electricty bill.
2. Over 20 years ago, developers who owned the neighbouring property changed the original rear garden gate that accesses the alleyway and installed fencing.
3. If they are given access to the alleyway, they can see directly into my kitchen, living room, and bathroom as it leads straight into my garden.
4. Our bedroom is directly above the alleyway, and access to our living room, kitchen and bathroom would also affect our privacy and security.
5. The current owners say the new buyers and their solictors want us to sign an agreement allowing them access and use of the alleyway, whenever they want it.
6. Again, both neighbouring properties have fenced off access on their sides, whereas use of the alleyway now leads directly into my garden.

What rights do we have? Do we have to give access after not needing to for 20 years? You also can't use coal in Greater London, which is where we live