Bad findings on title deeds

[xmxtom]

Hi,

I had the curiosity to read the title deeds (payed the £7 to download them) for the property I am buying and I am quite horrified about the findings.
This is something for my solicitors to explain, however this part will come later in the process from my past experience with them.

The concerning part is below.
"
EXCEPT AND RESERVED unto His Majesty's Secretary of State for the War Department and other the estate owner or owners for the time being in respect of the property adjoining and adjacent to the property coloured green on the said plan on the West and South sides thereof and the occupiers thereof for the time being the right at anytime to build on or otherwise use the same or any part thereof in any way he or they may think fit whether or not the access of light or air to any building for the time being"

The area referred in the above text seems to be occupied now by a retirement development.

What's your thoughts about this?
I suppose that the owner can't just build a few high-rise buildings affecting all properties in the area, or am I being a bit naive here?

Thanks!

Ask your solicitor but lots of deeds have very random things. In my previous house I would have been required to sell to the Chirch of England if they ever wanted to build a cathedral there. I took the risk!

I wouldn't mind to be required to sell at market rate to the Church of England, however having no right of light or air is on another level.
I suppose that the last resort in the case of the owner replacing the bungalows with a few towers behind the (small) garden would be the council through planning...
I am still waiting for my solicitor's reply on this.

Horrified is a little dramatic! Perhaps perplexed or concerned would be more appropriate.

Just ask your solicitor to explain the exact meaning and ramifications in today’s context (these are clearly old covenants due to the reference to the War dept).

Then make your decision based on those facts 🤷🏽‍♀️

Since the War Dept doesn’t exist now and Charlie’s unlikely to want to build a palace next door, you’ll be fine