For more information see the CON29 FAQs
Land Charges Overview
What is a Local Land Charges Register?
This register is set up and maintained by the council. It is designed to show a prospective buyer of a property in the city whether there are any enforceable obligations or charges (both financial and non financial) registered against that property. It may also reveal matters which can be regarded as positive or a benefit to the property e.g. a planning permission to extend the property.
Why Carry Out a Local Land Charges Search?
It is essential to remember that a local land charge is a charge against the property and not an individual. You would obviously want to know of any obligations attaching to the property before you decide to buy it.
Who Carries Out a Local Land Charges Search?
As the Register is a public document anyone may carry out a search. However, they are carried out in the vast majority of cases by solicitors, licensed conveyancers or their agents on behalf of prospective buyers.
What Forms Are To Be Submitted When Making a Search?
A search is usually submitted in two parts and these are form LLC1 and form CON29. The LLC1 is a request asking for a search of the Local Land Charges Register to be made in respect of a particular property or piece of land. The council has a legal obligation to set up and maintain this Register and to provide information contained in it upon receipt of the appropriate form (LLC1) and the appropriate fee (see FAQs). The other part of the search is covered by form CON29 which is basically a standard set of questions for which a fee is paid. There are additional questions on the printed form which may be asked if they are thought to be relevant.
NB Please ensure that you forward 2 copies of a plan showing each property against which you are making a search.
Personal Searches
A personal search of the Register can be made by attendance at the council's offices. Plans need to be provided to the Land Charges Clerk prior to your appointment. Please note that this service is available Monday to Friday, 2.00pm to 4.00pm by making an appointment with the Local Land Charges assistant on telephone number 01772 906119 at least 24 hours in advance of the time you wish to inspect the Register.
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