NEW rules forcing people to pay thousands of pounds for the right to drive up to their own front doors are set to become law this summer.

Regulations forming part of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 state that owners of common land, such as the Malvern Hills Conservators, must charge residents who drive across it to get home for legal documents proving they have the right to do so.

Conservators' director Ian Rowat said the only time when the body would charge for this legal proof of right of access, or "easement", would be when the property in question changed hands, as any purchaser's solicitor would demand to see it.

The Conservators have previously expressed unwillingness to force people to pay for something they in effect already have, but is bound by its charitable status to maximise profit from the disposition of any asset.

Anyone living in a house built before 1906 will have to pay 0.25 per cent of its value for an "easement"; those in places built between 1906 and November 30, 1930, will stump up 0.5 per cent, and those anywhere else will be forced to pay two per cent.

Gill Taylor, whose family has been living between Graham Road and Worcester Road since their house was built there in 1840, is one who will have to pay the fee should she move house, as it is reached over Conservator-owned land.

She said she was "shocked" by the news, especially in the light of the fact the family is considering moving.

"I have very strong views about it," she said.

"How can they possibly bring it in suddenly like this when for years and year we have been using it without any problem?"