Current Turnaround for a Local Authority Search:  One/Two working days.

What is a Local Authority Search?

A local authority search is required in connection with the sale and/or purchase of any land or property. Requests for searches usually come from solicitors acting for their clients.

The search is designed to protect potential purchasers by letting them know if there are, for instance, plans to build a new road near to their prospective home, outstanding building works, subsisting notices, order, directions or proceedings, planning and building control issues and/or other relevant information.

It also includes information recorded in Local Land Charge Registers.   See our Local Land Charges Register webpage.

We research and collate the information from other council departments, providing comprehensive information about the property that may be of interest. 

Responses are provided by fully trained staff who have the necessary knowledge and expertise to extract and interpret the relevant information. 

What do I get from the full Local Authority Search?

Full 'Official' Local Authority Search

(includes forms LLC1 and CON29 R (2007 edition).

Residential:  £140

Non-Residential:  £190

Alternatively see our 'Fees' page.

Contents (not exhaustive):

• All Land Charge Registrations applicable to the property.
• Signed Official Certificate of Search (only authorised by the Registering Authority)
• Listed Building Descriptions extracted from the schedule of Listings (where applicable) 
• Tree Preservation Order plans (where applicable)

NEW!

• Planning Decision Notices when registered as a Local Land Charge.  (currently on a two month trial)

Warning Question replies (CON29R) some of which inc:

• Building Regulation history from 1990.
• Details of any prospective Enforcement action against the property.
• Highways information affecting or in close proximity to the property.
• Post 1974 Planning History
• Planning designations and proposals for the property, contained in any current adopted or proposed local development plan.
• Prospective Tree Preservation Orders affecting the property.
• Copy Certificates issued by Registered Competent Persons under the Office of Deputy Prime Minister’s Competent Persons Scheme (CPS) where appropriate, inc:

Replacement Window Certificates

Cavity Wall Certificates

Electrical Part P Certificates

Gas Certificates

• Copy of Approved Inspectors Initial notice (where appropriate)
• Copy of Approved Inspectors Plans Certificates (where appropriate)
• Copy of Approved Inspectors Final certificates (where appropriate)

How long is my search valid for?

Due to the nature of the information provided, a search is only valid up to and including the date it is stamped and returned to you. 

Nevertheless, we currently offer a refresh service for all full Local Authority Searches less than 6 months old.  This provides the option to up date your search for a small percentage of the original search price at a fee of £35.

For further information, see our 'After Search Service'.

Submitting your Local Authority Search

Please supply us with the following:

• Any forms you require answered, in duplicate.  (See 'Search Forms')
• A plan (as up to date as possible) in duplicate clearly showing the boundaries of the property or land in question, edged in red.   
• The correct fee.  Please note, our tier definitions have changed (from 1 April 2008).  See the Fee page for more information.
• Cheques signed, dated and made payable to “Ashford Borough Council”
• For multiple plot searches, see definition of 'Parcel' on our fees webpage before submitting your request.
• The relevant “deposited” plan number, where appropriate.  (These are plans which developers of new housing estates deposit with the land charges section, showing plot numbers against which searches will be submitted.  The seller’s solicitor will be able to provide any relevant “deposited" plan reference numbers).

Submit request by the following methods:

Any questions?

Ring and speak to a member of the team:  Telephone: 01233 330284.