What Is a Local Authority Search? LLC1 and Con29 Explained

What Is a Local Authority Search?

A local authority search is a formal enquiry made to the relevant local planning authority (LPA) as part of the conveyancing process. It is almost universally required by mortgage lenders and strongly recommended even in cash purchases. The search has two parts: the LLC1 and the Con29.

Part 1, LLC1 (Local Land Charges Register)

The Local Land Charges (LLC) register is a statutory register maintained by each local authority (now progressively migrated to HMLR's national register). An LLC1 search reveals charges and obligations registered against the land or property title, including:

• **Financial charges:** Unpaid improvement grants, repair notices, or council loans secured against the property
• **Planning conditions and agreements:** Section 106 agreements (planning obligations between the developer and the council)
• **Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs):** Registered protections on specific trees
• **Conservation area designation:** Whether the property is in a designated conservation area
• **Listed building status:** Grade I, II*, or II listing under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
• **Enforcement notices:** Notices requiring the remedy of a breach of planning control
• **Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL):** Any CIL liability registered against the property

Part 2, Con29 (Standard Enquiries of the Local Authority)

The Con29 form asks the local authority a series of standardised questions about the property and its surroundings. Results include:

• **Proposed roads:** Whether any new roads are planned that may affect the property (e.g. road widening, new bypasses)
• **Planning decisions:** Copies of any planning decision notices relating to the property
• **Building regulations completion certificates:** Confirmation that past works have received sign-off
• **Contaminated land:** Whether the land is designated as contaminated under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990
• **Radon:** Whether the property is in a radon-affected area (based on Environment Agency data)
• **Drainage:** Whether the property is connected to a public sewer

An **Optional Con29O enquiry** is available for additional questions covering matters such as nearby hazardous installations, road proposals at greater distance, and public path orders.

How Long Does a Local Authority Search Take?

Turnaround times vary significantly between authorities. Some councils provide results within 1–2 working days; others can take several weeks during busy periods. Personal searches (carried out by a search agent attending the council) can sometimes be faster.

A search indemnity insurance policy can be obtained instead of waiting for a search result, useful where a transaction must exchange quickly. However, mortgage lenders may not accept insurance in lieu of a formal search.

What to Do If Issues Are Found

**Planning conditions:** Review the conditions attached to past consents. Some are minor; others (e.g. occupancy restrictions or restrictions on permitted development) can significantly affect your use and enjoyment of the property.

**Enforcement notice:** This is a serious finding. Establish whether the notice has been complied with. An unresolved enforcement notice runs with the land and is inherited by the buyer.

**Tree Preservation Order:** This does not prevent you from enjoying the trees but requires written consent from the LPA before carrying out any works to a protected tree.

**Section 106 agreement:** Review the agreement carefully, some relate to infrastructure contributions already paid; others may include restrictions or obligations that continue to bind the land.

Property Passport UK brings together publicly available planning and local authority data so buyers can get early visibility of key issues before commissioning formal searches through their solicitor.