Local search - enquries of the local authority

This page explains what a local authority search is and how it can be obtained.

What is a 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. For instance, planning decisions or conservation areas implemented before 31 August 1977, planning permissions without condition and proposed enforcement notices yet to be issued do not appear on the Local Land Charges Register.

Traditionally the local search was a part of the conveyancing process conducted by solicitors who would ask questions directly of the relevant local authority. This led to the Law Society producing a set of standard forms known as the CON29R and CON29O.

It is now just as common for the answers to solicitors questions contained on the CON29 forms to be asked by personal search companies and their agents who come to the Council Offices to inspect information held by the local authority.

The CON29R (R stands for required) asks all the standard questions that it is common for potential house buyers to wish to know. A second form CON29O (the O stands for optional) allows a purchaser or their solicitor to ask a further number of questions if they feel extra information is needed.

Whilst the forms are used under licence from the Law Society by solicitors it is now common for personal searchers to request access to the same information to enable them to supply it in their own completed documents to solicitors.