Last updated: 7 March 2024
Next review: 7 March 2025
Due to an increase in search requests we are currently taking 10 working days to complete applications, we ask that you do not email or call us to chase until this time has lapsed.
To receive the results of an expedited search on the same day. Documents and payment must be received no later than 12pm on the same day. In the event that documents and payments is received after this time, results will be sent by 4pm the next working day.
What is a local land charge?
A local land charge is a restriction on a piece of land or property that can limit its use or bind the owner to a payment of a sum of money.
Land charges can be attached to land or property because of:
- road decisions
- planning decisions
- tree preservation orders
They may also be attached due to roads and public rights of way, outstanding notices and assets of community value, contaminated land, plus many other reasons.
As part of the conveyancing process, you will need a Local Land Charges search.
The two types of search
There are two main types of search:
- Full or ‘official’ search – this is carried out by us.
- Personal search – this is carried out by a personal search agent, instructed by you.
Full, or 'official' search
We carry out all official searches covered by the Local Land Charges Act 1975. We are able to collect complete and comprehensive information from various departments including planning and building control and bring it together.
A full search is made up of two searches:
- Local land charges search (form LLC1) This is a search of the Local Land Charges Register. It shows any charges affecting the land or property, such as planning decisions and tree preservation orders, and details of any money owed to the council by previous owners.
- Local authority search (form CON29) This search reveals any planning, highway or environmental issues that either affect the land or property now, or could affect it in the future. It includes an optional section (form CON29O) which covers any common land enquiries such as public paths and pollution orders. The majority of the information comes from other departments within the council.
Personal search
A personal search is a inspection of the local land charges register. It is normally carried out by a personal search agent acting on behalf of a third party for the potential buyer.
How to request a search
You can request a search through us, or through the National Land Information Service (NLIS) website
For a full search
- Use forms LLC1 and CON29, which you can download from the Law Society website
- Email your LLC1 and CON29 forms to us at lcenquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk
- Make your payment using the tabs at the top of this page.
For a personal search
- Email us at lcenquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk and tell us the address you want searched
- Make your payment using the tabs at the top of this page.
Fees from 1 April 2024
| Search type | Fees (inc VAT) | Notes |
| Full Search (LLC1 and CON29) | £339.56 | |
| LLC1 | £80.00 | This item is not vatable |
| CON29 | £259.56 | |
| Individual CON29o questions | £31.50 | Q22 is free when submitted in conjunction with a full search when requested. This is due to the fact the answer is always 'No' as none are present within the borough. |
| Extra Parcel (LLC1 only) | £24.00 | This item is not vatable |
| Extra Parcel (LLC1 + CON29) | £50.40 | |
| Personal Search CON29 Question (j,k,l only ) | £60.00 | |
| Personal Search CON29 Questions (j,k,l +3.8) | £80.00 | |
| Personal Search CON29 Questions (j,k,l+ 3.10) | £100.00 | |
| Solicitors Additional Questions | £45.36 | |
| Enhanced search (LLC1 and CON29) | £350.00 | This type of search will include historical data referring to the land inclusive of what is on the land now. Some of this data may go back as far as 1970.Inc all decision notices |
| Expedited search (same day service) | £450.00 | This applies to full searches only |
| Copies of Official documents | £63.53 | i.e. 106, decision notices |
| Search Refresh | £45.00 | (within 12 weeks) |