What is a Highway search enquiry / land charge?
A Land Charges search is usually performed when buying or leasing land or property. A solicitor would usually request a search for a buyer using standard forms LLC1 (Search of Local Land Charges register) and CON29R / CON29O submitted to a District Council or a Personal Search Company. Fees are payable for this service.
Cambridgeshire County Council is the Highway Authority for the five districts within Cambridgeshire excluding Motorways and Trunks Roads.
Cambridgeshire County Council is required to supply the information for these forms particularly relating to highway / traffic related matters.
What is a Statutory Register and therefore free of charge?
Only the List of Highways Maintained at Public Expense held under Section 36 of the Highways Act 1980 is a public document and therefore available free of charge.
However, if you require further information or clarification of any highways following a search of the List, please contact our Searches team, contact details below. Please note a fee may be charged for additional information.
What if I want to know the precise extent of the highway boundary?
The CON29R only requires the status of the "roadway, footway or footpath" to be answered, it does not require the extent to be given.
If you require to know the extent then this must be requested under a separate enquiry. (please note that we are unable to advise whether a property abuts the highway due to possible third party ownership or ransom strips).
There is an ongoing project to identify the extent of all highways within Cambridgeshire, however as there are in excess of 4500 km of highways it will take sometime to complete. Where we have not already identified the full extent of the highway, then an enquiry may require a significant amount of research and a site visit.
Please note that there is a charge for this service which is currently £26.90 per hour or part thereof.
How can I find out about Public Rights of Way?
Public Rights of Way shown on the Definitive Map (Part IV of the National Parks and Access to Countryside Act 1949 and Part III of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) are the responsibility of the Countryside Services Team. However CON29O and Postal Personal Searches are answered by the Searches Team.
The Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way is a public document can be viewed free of charge, by appointment. Written/faxed or emailed enquiries will be charged for.
How can I find out about Common Land and Town / Village Greens?
Common Land and Town / Village Greens are the responsibility of the Countryside Services Team. However CON29O and Postal Personal Searches are answered by the Searches Team. Written/faxed or emailed enquiries will be charged for.
What do Cambridgeshire charge for search information?
Who do I contact for further information?
If you require further information on how we carry out search requests please contact us. You can do this by:
Calling us on 01223 715658
Last updated: Thursday 15 March 2012, 09:17