Local Land Charges Service
Service updateHMLR Local Land Charges Migration ProgrammeHM Land Registry is working in partnership with local authorities across England and Wales to create a centralised digital Local Land Charges (LLC) Register. This national programme aims to migrate and standardise local land charges data from over 300 local authorities into a single, accessible digital platform. The initiative will simplify property searches, improve data accessibility, and make the conveyancing process more efficient for property buyers and professionals. Lancaster City Council has now entered into the HM Land Registry (HMLR) Local Land Charges (LLC) Migration programme. We are currently working closely with the HMLR Migration Team to prepare our LLC register data for transfer to HMLR's digital register. Important Notice: Local Land Charges Searches During this migration process, our Local Land Charges team will be undertaking additional tasks to ensure a smooth transition of data. As a result, we anticipate some delays in accepting and processing local authority searches. What to Expect:
The migration to HMLR's digital register will ultimately result in a more efficient and standardised LLC service. We apologise for any delays you may experience and appreciate your continuing patience and understanding during this transition period. For any urgent enquiries regarding Local Land Charges searches during this period, please contact our LLC team directly. We will provide updates on the progress of the migration and any changes to our service timelines as they become available. For further information about the Migration Programme please visit the Government website |
What is a Local Land Charge
A local land charge is a restriction or obligation imposed on a property or piece of land that binds successive owners or occupiers. These charges are typically imposed by local authorities and can include:
- Planning conditions
- Conservation area designations
- Tree preservation orders
- Listed building status
- Financial charges for various works or notices
Local land charges are designed to inform potential buyers of any restrictions or obligations associated with the property or land they are interested in purchasing. They are recorded in a Local Land Charges Register maintained by the local authority.
When buying a property, it is crucial to conduct a local land charges search to uncover any such restrictions, as they can affect the use, value, or future development of the property.
Local land charges searches are searches that are requested by a solicitor or licensed conveyancer acting on behalf of a person buying or selling land or property. The search is a series of standard questions designed to give any potential buyer as much information as possible about the property.
There are three main search types that return different types of information.
- Local Land Charge Register Search (LLC1). Provides information held in the Local Land Charges Register and covers any charges or attendant restrictions relating to the land or property in question. This information can include whether the property is a listed building or whether it is subject to a Tree Protection Order.
- CON29. Provides answers to the property/land that only the council hold information regarding. This can include recent statutory noise complaints or any road proposals and traffic schemes that affect the property.
- Environment Information Regulations (EIR). Provides environmental information held on council records, for example information on Building Regulations.
Submitting a local authority search electronically
We are currently connected to the National Land Information Service (NLIS) at Level 2. This means search requests can be submitted electronically using one of the licensed NLIS channels. Search replies are also returned electronically.
You can find out more about NLIS on their website www.nlis.org.uk or you can contact any of the licensed channels listed below:
Alternatively, to arrange a search, please contact us directly on landcharges@lancaster.gov.uk
Services and fees
Personal search
The local land charges register is available to view via a terminal at to Lancaster town hall, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ, on an appointment-only basis.
Appointments are made by emailing your request to landcharges@lancaster.gov.uk giving two clear working days notice. Please request an appointment time.
- Appointments are held hourly from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Wednesday
- There are 4 time slots: 9am,10am, 11am and 12pm each day with a maximum of six addresses per appointment
Other personal search information is available by emailing the relevant service areas:
- developmentcontrol@lancaster.gov.uk
- environmentalhealth@lancaster.gov.uk
- strategichousing@lancaster.gov.uk
Last updated: 24 February 2025