landlocked property access?

Question

I just inherited 12.5 acres of land in Lexington, North Carolina that does not have road access. There is a strip of land in front of us for about 650 ft to the closest road. Across that road is a manufacturing plant. The plant owns the land in front of us that we would like to cross. (nothing but trees on the land). We are in the process of finalizing the plans to build a house now. The plant told us 2 months ago that they would give us an easement to the land, only to find out today that is not the case. They say it will devalue the land to give usthe access. so here's the question, can someone refuse to give you a right-of-way/easement to the nearest road (no other roads are even within a mile or 2 and there are other houses in the area)

Answer 1

If your property is LANDLOCKED the building department? will just take the property and not ask for permission since you will need an easement. I hate when other people are such a holes. GOOD LUCK

Answer 2

Have you thought about offering the land to the manufacturing plant? It might not be a scenic attraction to have a manufacturing plant as your neighbor.

In California, we can't close an escrow without legal access. Is there an easement in use to your property by chance? If so you may have an easement by prescription if it has been used for access for a certain period of years (depends on NC law).

If the Building Dept throws up their hands, get a good real estate attorney and either get your access or try and get the manufacturing company to buy your parcel. If they're so concerned about devaluation, what is the value they will be losing on their parcel and when exactly will they be realizing this "loss"? Maybe you can offer them something in exchange for the easement.

I would be SO nice to that Company that they would want to help me out....ya know? Save the attorney as a last resort.