Common land

Common land is not land which is commonly owned. The term ‘common' refers to the ‘rights of common' that local people (known as ‘commoners') were granted in the middle ages.

Rights of common vary depending on the land, but may include grazing animals and collecting firewood.

The registers of common land and village greens in East Sussex are held at County Hall in Lewes. The registers are formed of a map, with all registered common land and village greens marked on it, and a written record that describes each piece of common land.

Checking whether land is common land

Before buying a property it is wise to check whether it sits on, or near, common land. This may be included in your survey, but you can also check the registers yourself.

Using the registers you can check whether:

• the property is on land registered as common land or a village green
• any ‘rights of common' exist on that land.

The written register will reveal the name of the owner of the common land and tell you about who has rights of common over the land.

How do I search the registers?

• In person – the register can be searched in person for free by appointment. To make an appointment contact us about searching the common land register.
• Online – those who make regular searches may prefer to request details online from the National Land Information Service.
• Ask us – for a small fee we can do the search for you. Applications must be made in writing. See Common land register search.

To search for common land or village greens in Brighton & Hove, contact Brighton & Hove City Council.