Planning & Environment!Planning & Environment
LOCAL LAND CHARGES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 
WHAT IS A LOCAL AUTHORITY SEARCH?
 
A Local Land Charges Search is required whenever a property is purchased, leased or re-mortgaged.  This gives you information on the existence of obligations or "charges" enforceable against the property/land, which you need to know about.
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN OFFICIAL SEARCH AND A PERSONAL SEARCH?

An official search is certified by the Council and the Local Land Charges Act 1975 makes provision for statutory compensation if anything goes wrong.  If a personal search is carried out this will not apply and you will not be able to rely on Section 10(3) which relates to compensation for loss.  The form CON29 questionnaire can only be completed by trained Council staff who have access to definitive information such as highways schemes, parking restrictions, traffic calming measures, Building Control and Environmental Health notices.  A personal search can be made by calling in to the Council's offices but the search result is from the Register of Local land Charges  and does not include CON29 information and is not certified unless the personal search company requests this from the Council at an additional cost.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
 
The latest schedule of fees is available here.
or by Telephone:  01270 537502 or 537503
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Normally a standard local search is processed and returned to your solicitor within 10 working days.
WHAT INFORMATION WILL IT TELL ME?
 
A standard local search will give you a full planning history on your property/land plus any legally binding charges.  It will also give you information on:-
  • Any trees in or overhanging your garden that are covered by a Tree Preservation Order.
  • Any Enforcement Notices that have been applied to your property.
  • Any proposals for new roads.
  • If your property is a Listed Building.
  • If your property lies within a Conservation Area.
  • If your property has been subject to a Housing Grant.
  • The presence of any public footpaths near or on your property/land (at a cost of £8) *
CAN YOU TELL ME WHO OWNS LAND OR PROPERTY?
 
No, please contact the Land Registry on Tel:  0151 4731106.
DO YOU ANSWER BRINE ENQUIRIES?

No, please refer to the Coal Authority as this information is provided as part of a CON29M Coal and Brine search

Website details: http://www.coal.gov.uk/services/miningreports/index.cfm

DO YOU ANSWER DRAINAGE ENQUIRIES?
 
No, please contact United Utilities Water Ltd on Tel:  0870 7510101.
DO YOU ANSWER LANDFILL ENQUIRIES?
 
Yes, this can be asked as part of a Local Land Charges Search at an additional fee.
Please refer to the latest schedule of fees available here.
HOW DO I CONTACT YOU?                                    
     
Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council
Local Land Charges Section
Municipal Buildings
Earle Street
Crewe
CW1 2BJ
  
Tel:  01270 537125
01270 537126
01270 537127
Fax:  01270 537009

Email:
landcharges@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk
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