Local Land Charges FAQs

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.

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 serach 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 ringing 01244 402133.

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 TPO .
• 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.

Can you tell me who owns land or property?

No, please contact the Land Registry (external link) on Tel: 0151 473 1106.

Do you answer drainage enquiries?

No, for properties in Dwr Cymru Welsh Water please contact:

Babtie Search Services
Unit B1
Trem y Dyffryn
Colomendy Industrial Estate
Denbigh
LL16 5TX

Tel 01745 815815

For properties in the United Utilities area please contact:

United Utilities
Map Services
Stephens Way
Goose Green
Wigan
WN3 6PJ

DX 719690 Wigan 8

Tel. 0870 751 0101
Fax 0870 751 0102

Email: maps.direct@uuplc.co.uk.

The drainage boundaries page will help you find out which area your property is in.

Contact Details

Local Land Charges Service

Email - locallandcharges@chester.gov.uk

Opening hours - 9.00am - 4.45pm

Phone number - 01244 402585

Fax - 01244 310071

DX - DX 722411 CHESTER 17

Address - Local Land Charges, Development Directorate, Chester City Council, The Forum, Chester, CH1 2HS