What is a Local Authority search?
A Local Authority search is a two-part search carried out when property or land is valued, purchased or leased. The first part of the search is done by district and borough councils who look at a register to see whether the property or land being purchased is affected by matters such as tree preservation orders or listed building status.
The second part of the search is then passed to us to supply information about public highways, rights of way matters and common land that may affect a property or land, eg:
- plans for new roads or changes to existing roads
- road adoption
- private developments that may affect the public highway.
How can I request a search?
If you are using a solicitor to buy or lease a property, searches are usually requested from the local district or borough council, by a solicitor on your behalf.
Fees are normally paid to your solicitor and passed on to the council as part of the property-buying process.
If you are not using a solicitor, you can request a personal search:
- for the first part of the search (registerable charges such as tree preservation orders, listed building status etc) by contacting your local district or borough council.
- for the second part of the search (matters related to public highways, rights of way or common land) by contacting us – see below for details.
Contacting us directly
You can carry out a personal search, free of charge of common land and rights of way information by making an appointment to visit County Hall in Lewes. Public highway information is not available for personal searches, except for road adoption records.
You can also ask us to carry out searches of public highways, common land and rights of way information on your behalf. There will be a charge for this service.
Contact details
For further information or to arrange a personal search, contact the Highway Land Information Team.
East Sussex County Council