An integral part of the modern conveyancing process is the conduct of a Search of the Register of Local Land Charges - a statutory register maintained by a local authority. The Register is regulated under the provisions of the Local Land Charges Act 1975.

If you are considering purchasing land or property you will want as full a picture as possible of the land/property you are interested in. A Local Land Charge Search can give you for instance, details of road proposals, the position regarding planning permissions, and whether there are any outstanding proposals which will directly affect the property you are buying.

In Bedfordshire there are three registering authorities - Bedford Borough Council, Mid Bedfordshire District Council and South Bedfordshire District Council – and you are advised to contact these authorities in the first instance. The contact details for the District Councils within Bedfordshire are available above.

The District and Borough Councils within Bedfordshire will forward certain questions to Bedfordshire County Council. As the County Council is both the Highways Authority and Minerals and Waste Authority - any questions relating to Highways, Rights of Way and/or Minerals & Waste must be answered by the County Council.