A local authority search forms part of the standard conveyancing process and should be made in every transaction.
Local land charges are restrictions on a particular piece of land that councils impose under the terms of various Government acts in order either to secure the payment of money, or to limit the use to which the land may be put.
The common types of local land charges include:
Anyone who wants to buy a property can find all the local land charges for that property on the local land charges register.
If you are buying a property, there are two options available to find details of entries on the local land charges register:
Before you start, find your local council to check that your search area belongs to us.
You can apply for an official search using the electronic land and property searches portals NLIS, TM, or InfoTrack.
Alternatively, you can access the new national digital service, Local Land Charges Search (GOV.UK), through your HM Land Registry portal account, Business Gateway, or through HM Land Registry’s GOV.UK page.
The Law Society has published guidance notes which are available on its website.
You will need to pay a fee for an official search. Contact your search provider for further information.
You can now access the new national digital service, Local Land Charges Search (GOV.UK), through your HM Land Registry portal account, Business Gateway, or through HM Land Registry’s GOV.UK page.
A lender may not accept a personal search. See an independent guide to property searches for further information.
The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 give you the right to access environmental information held by the council.
You can access all the environmental information needed to compile a property search by:
The regulations allow up to 20 working days for a response.
| Service | Form | Net | VAT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local enquiries search | CON29 | £135 | £27 | £162 |
| Extra property | x | £22.50 | £4.50 | £27 |
| Optional enquiry | CON29O | £22.50 | £4.50 | £27 |
| Solicitor's own question | x | £22.50 | £4.50 | £27 |
VAT receipts will be issued with the search result. VAT Reg No. GB 198 2074 36.
We accept credit or debit cards. As work starts immediately on receipt, fees are non-refundable.
Our turnaround time is on average 5 days. If you have an urgent search, contact us to see how we can help.
If you have a question about local land charges applications and services, please email Local.LandCharges@bedford.gov.uk.
We have created a guide on understanding your local search results and obtaining copies of planning document (PDF).
All decision notices and section 106 agreements (1948-present), enforcement notices, and other planning documentation can be viewed at www.bedford.gov.uk/searchplans. Contact Planning Services on 01234 718068 or email planning@bedford.gov.uk if you have any enquires.
Copies of Highways Act 1980 section 38, Highways Act 1980 section 278, Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 section 33, or any other documents originating from the Bedford Borough Council can be obtained at an additional cost. If this service is required, please phone 01234 228777 or email deeds.registry@bedford.gov.uk.