However, Rochford Council has told him the land belongs to the authority and must be restored. Prework - A grass verge existed outside the property before David built the driveway. Rochford Council said the issue centres on ownership of the land and its status as public open space. A council spokesman said: “The resident removed a grass verge owned by Rochford District Council to install a block-paved driveway. “The grass verge forms part of a larger title that is subject to restrictions due to its designation as public open space.