Your solicitor orders local authority searches as a standard part of conveyancing. They reveal what the council knows about the property and the land — things that aren't visible on a viewing but that affect what the property is, what you can do with it, and what obligations come with it.
Part 1: LLC1 — Local Land Charges Register
The LLC1 is a search of the council's Local Land Charges Register. It reveals:
Financial charges: Any charge registered against the property by the council — for example, if the council paid for emergency works to the property and has a charge to recover the cost.
Planning conditions: Conditions attached to a planning permission for the property — for example, "the extension must be used only for residential purposes" or "no further development without written consent."
Enforcement notices: Formal notices the council has issued for breach of planning control.
Conservation area status: If the property is in a designated conservation area, additional restrictions apply to permitted development and alterations.
Article 4 directions: In some areas, councils have removed certain permitted development rights through Article 4 directions — meaning you'd need planning permission for works that would normally be automatic.
Listed building status: If the property is a listed building, extensive restrictions apply to internal and external alterations.
Part 2: Con29 — Enquiries of Local Authority
The Con29 is a set of standard questions asked of the council about the property's planning and development history. It covers:
Planning and building decisions: Planning applications made against the property (approved, refused, or pending). This tells you what has been done to the property over the years, and whether it was done with permission.
Road information: Whether the road serving the property is adopted (maintained at public expense) or private (the owner's responsibility). A private road means you may be responsible for maintenance costs.
Drainage: Whether the property is connected to a public sewer. If not, the drainage system (septic tank, cesspit) is the owner's responsibility.
Radon: Whether the property is in a radon affected area. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in buildings in certain geological areas. Mitigation measures may be required.
Road schemes: Any proposed new road or widening scheme that might affect the property.
What to do if something comes up
Most search results are benign — planning conditions, conservation area status, and road information that simply confirms facts about the property. Your solicitor will review the results and flag anything that warrants attention.
For enforcement notices: Ask your solicitor whether the notice has been complied with and what practical implications remain.
For planning conditions: Check the conditions attached to any extension or alteration. Did the seller comply with them?
For private roads: Get a clear picture of who is responsible for maintenance and whether there is a management arrangement with other property owners.
For planning refusals: Ask your solicitor and estate agent what the refused application was for and whether it affects your intentions for the property.
This Q&A is for general information. Dom does not provide legal advice. Consult your solicitor for advice on any specific search result.