Land Charges and Local Authority Searches - A Guide

This guide can help you if you need to find out what restrictions or obligations are recorded against a property and/or land using the Local Land Charges Register or a Local Search.

How do I apply?

Remember, before applying for a Local Search you will need to provide a plan showing the area to be searched outlined in red before we can process your request. If more than one property is included such as additional barn conversions, holiday lets, separate annexes or parcels of land, there will be extra fees to pay.

For members of the Public it is simplest to apply by email

Email your request (we will accept requests without the official forms), the plan and your contact details to searches@swdevon.gov.uk.

Let us know in your email how you are going to pay: by card or by BACS. Please note we no longer accept cheque payments.

For Solicitors and Conveyancers please apply by:

  • Email as above
  • Use a recognised secure online portal: there are a number of portals available including NLIS.

National Land Information Service (NLIS)

The National Land Information Service (NLIS) is a government initiative which provides electronic official land and property information held by all Local Authorities in England and Wales. It also holds other official sources of data, including HMLR, the Coal Authority and water companies.

The NLIS Hub acts as a gateway for conveyancers to access land and property information through one of the NLIS Licensed Channels listed below:

  • Search Flow
  • Index iv
  • Thames Water Property Searches
  • Big Property Data

The NLIS Hub is regulated by Land Data.

For further information on how to order NLIS searches visit the website at NLIS.

TM Group

Find out more about the services that TM Group they offer conveyancers by following the link.

Applying by DX or Post

The council would prefer to receive searches electronically to reduce delays for you and your client. However it is acknowledged that sometimes there is no option but to submit in a paper form.

Local Land Charges

West Devon Borough Council

Kilworthy Park

Drake Road

Tavistock

PL19 0BZ

Local Land Charges

West Devon Borough Council

DX 82405

TAVISTOCK

Payments

See our Fees and Charges for details of the charge for your search.

BACS details:

Account Name: West Devon Borough Council

Branch: Lloyds (Totnes)

Sort code: 30-98-69

Account Number: 40072360

Please use this link to pay by card and select Land Charges from the drop-down menu.