What is a local search?
The solicitors or legal advisors acting in the proposed purchase of a property, as part of the conveyancing process, undertake searches of the Local Land Charges Register and related enquiries. They are also a requirement of most lending institutions as part of the mortgage process.
The local search is in two parts
The first part is called the LLC1 a legal document which reveals entries that are registered in the Local Land Charges Register, such as planning obligations, financial charges, improvement grants, listed buildings. The council have a statutory duty to maintain the Local Land Charges Register, which is updated daily to provide an accurate response to search requests.
The second part is known as the CON29 Enquiries of Local Authority. This is a standard form of questions agreed between the Law Society and Local Government Associations. The form contains comprehensive enquiries designed to reveal to intending purchasers information about the property to be purchased. The enquiries fall broadly into three categories:
- Planning - enquiries relating to the control of development
- Highways enquiries relating to highways, traffic schemes, railways etc
- Environmental health, such as contaminated land and noise abatement
The enquirer also has an opportunity to ask any additional enquiries the solicitor or legal advisor considers appropriate.
South Tyneside Council Local Land Charges Service is committed to providing a quality service to the residents and businesses of South Tyneside and for those seeking to move into the borough.
