There’s a drain across the boundary between my house and next door. I am having a path laid, and want to tidy up around the drain cover as part of the job. This will mean sliding out a fence panel, but my neighbour may not agree to this, even though we should have joint access to the drain. Can I get authorisation from the council so he can’t stop me?
If you don’t live in council houses the council would not become involved in this. As you say, your deeds probably give you joint access to the drain. So if your neighbour proved awkward, you could probably get a court order to proceed. But this would be a drastic measure for so minor a matter. Discuss it with your neighbour, but if he objects you may have to just tidy up your own side.