Local land charges and local authority searches

The Oadby and Wigston Borough Council Land charges department deal with enquiries about, and requests for, information held by the Council about properties within the borough. How to access this information and our current fees are listed below.

Local land charges register

A local land charge is a restriction or prohibition, or financial charge, imposed on land or property, which is binding on successive owners or occupiers of land and/or property. Every Council has a statutory duty under the Local Land Charges Act 1975 to maintain an accurate and up-to-date register of local land charges affecting land and property within the borough. Details of any charges registered to land and property are listed in the Council’s local land charges register. The local land charges register allows potential purchasers of land to be aware of any charges that may affect the property or piece of land they are interested in before they purchase it.

The Register is split into the following twelve parts.

• Part 1: General financial charges
• Part 2: Specific financial charges
• Part 3: Planning Charges
• Part 4: Miscellaneous charges
• Part 5: Fenland ways maintenance charges
• Part 6: Land compensation charges
• Part 7: New towns charges
• Part 8: Civil aviation charges
• Part 9: Opencast coal charges
• Part 10: Listed buildings charges
• Part 11: Light obstruction notices
• Part 12: Drainage scheme charges

Full local search

The local search is the name given to a number of enquires that are made of a local authority during the conveyancing process. This search reveals matters that are not contained in the land charges register such as planning decisions or conservation areas implemented before 1 August 1977, planning permissions without conditions and proposed enforcement notices yet to be issued. This information is normally requested via a full local search.

Personal search

Under the Land Charges Act 1977 it has been possible for the land charges register to be inspected in person at the Council Offices. It is now free of charge to inspect the land charges register at the council offices by making a prior appointment with land charges staff. It is now also possible for personal searchers to request access to other information contained on the CON29 form by attending the Council offices in person under Environmental Information Regulations.

How to submit a search and our current fees

Below is a list of our current fees. Read down for further details of how to submit a local search.

How to submit a search

A request for a search can be made by submitting a form known as the LLC1 and CON29 in duplicate, with two copies of a plan of the property. Alternatively a request can be made without use of these forms provided that the requirements of the search are clearly specified.We are also able to accept searches submitted by e-search providers or directly by email, provided payment is made at the same time. Failure to provide all relevant documents necessary and payment may result in delays to your search.

Payment

Payment can be made via cheques made payable to Oadby and Wigston Borough Council or cash paid in to our reception. BACS payments or credit card payments can be made by contacting the Land Charges service.

Turnround times

We aim to process all searches within 5 working days and in any event no later than 10 working days.

Personal searches

Personal Search bookings can be made to inspect information held by Oadby and Wigston Borough Council at the Councils Offices by making an appointment with Land Charges staff. At least 48 hours notice must be given before an appointment can be arranged.