The local authority search is one of the most important property searches carried out during the conveyancing process and provides information about the property's legal and planning history that cannot be found in the title documents. Understanding what it covers and what it does not helps buyers interpret the results.

Two Parts of the Local Authority Search

The local authority search has two distinct parts. The LLC1, or Local Land Charges Register search, reveals entries in the local land charges register. These are charges, restrictions, or obligations registered against the land that bind whoever owns it. Examples include financial charges for unpaid works, planning conditions registered as local land charges, listed building status, conservation area designation, and Tree Preservation Orders.

The CON29 form raises a series of standard enquiries of the local planning authority and the council in their other capacities. CON29 questions cover whether any planning permissions or applications affect the property, whether any enforcement notices have been served, whether any road proposals will affect the property, whether the property is in an area affected by any drainage or environmental orders, and a range of other matters relevant to the future use and enjoyment of the property.

What a Local Authority Search Can Reveal

A local authority search may reveal, among other things, planning permissions for nearby developments, the existence of planning enforcement notices against the property, whether the property is in a conservation area or is a listed building, whether any Tree Preservation Orders protect trees on or near the property, whether road widening or improvement schemes may affect the property, whether the property is in a smoke control zone, and whether any financial charges remain outstanding against the property for works carried out by the local authority.

What a Local Authority Search Does Not Reveal

The local authority search does not reveal all information about a property. It does not cover planning applications in nearby areas that might affect the wider neighbourhood but are not registered against the specific property. It does not reveal information held by water companies, environmental agencies, or specialist databases. These are covered by separate searches. It does not reveal private covenants or rights registered in the title; those are found in the Land Registry title documents.

Summary

A local authority search covers entries in the local land charges register and standard enquiries about planning history, conservation area and listed building status, enforcement notices, and road proposals. It is carried out as part of conveyancing and is required by most mortgage lenders. It does not cover water, environmental, or mining matters, which are addressed by separate searches. Search results have a validity period of approximately six months for mortgage purposes.