In regards to the new houses at Waterton.
Nos 7 -13 (Inclusive) Waterton Close were sold by the developer - Barratt Homes as owning the land to the northern edge of the River Ewenny. In addition, Title Deeds for Nos 7 to 13 show by way of a red line, that these properties boundaries extend to the northern edge of the river. In addition, the Environment Agency have been contacted by telephone and have confirmed that the properties at Waterton own the land to the edge of the river.

As such this means that they are classed as riparian and it is a general principle of English law that the owner of land bordering on a watercourse also owns the bed of that watercourse up to an imaginary line drawn down the middle.

Regardless of fishing rights on the river, which it is currently believed are owned by Ogmore Angling Association Ltd, riparian owners reserve the right to grant or prevent access to land adjacent the river for the purpose of fishing. There is no general right of access to river banks and towpaths - they all belong to somebody and that landowner may or may not choose to allow access.The common law concerning trespass relates to water in the same way as it does to land. The owner of land fronting onto a watercourse can stop people travelling over or to that part of the watercourse owned by them in exactly the same way as they can stop people walking over their land without permission or fishing from their land into the watercourse without their permission*1

Riparian owners have an obligation to provide access in respect of Environment Agency measures. The Agency has statutory powers of entry facilitating access to land to exercise its powers and duties with the co-operation of landowners and others wherever possible. However, the Agency has the power to obtain a warrant if entry is refused*2.

Hope this clarifies the situation.

*1 Source: Naturenet
*2 Source: Environment Agency