Frequently asked questions about about CON29 information
Available information
What information is available?
All the information needed to complete the CON29R enquiry form.
How do I access information and where is it available from?
By visiting the Local Land Charges Section who are acting as a One Stop Shop. The Planning Register, Highways Register and some information can be accessed via Planning Reception free of charge.
How do I access CON29O information and where is it available from?
Information relating to CON29O questions can be accessed via the client department if the need arises. Alternatively the search data can be obtained in an official from via Local Land Charges for a set fee of £17 per question.
Access
Can I access actual files and documents or is the information provided in another format?
All statutory registers and public documents can be accessed in their standard format.
Non statutory register information is available by way of a computer printout/printed report. This information is provided to you in the same format that the local land charge department accesses it.
Can I purchase information on a question by question basis or is it only available in larger data sets?
Information is available in two formats:
- Option 1: Non Statutory Information Only (part CON29R).
- Option 2: All CON29R Data (includes Statutory, public registers and all information to complete CON29R)
Why is information not available to purchase on an individual part question by part question basis?
No, the Local Land Charges service will only provide the 2 options described. The current system cannot interrogate data on a part question by part question basis and the adopted system is the most efficient method. The Council will review the process periodically and react to demand. It must be noted that any system cost incurred would be attributable to the access service only. It is likely that this would increase the costs of access in future years. Ad hoc information can of course be obtained from the client departments.
Access arrangements
Is the information only available during set times and is an appointment procedure in place?
The Council operates the following appointment system, Mon – Fri 2pm - 4.30pm booked at least 24 hours in advance. By operating this appointment system (which has been in place since 1st November 2005) we are able to dedicate the relevant staff and resources to ensuring your enquiry is dealt speedily and efficiently. If you wish to collect CON29R information at the same time as your personal search then a lead time of 2 days will apply.
Costs
Why is all the information not available free of charge?
Not all the information required to complete CON29 forms is contained in statutory registers available for inspection free of charge or in public documents.
The “Charging Regulations” allow local authorities to recoup the cost of providing access to the remaining information.
How did you set your fee?
The fee is set in accordance with the Local Authorities (England) (Charges for Property Searches) Regulations 2008 and the Local Authority property Search Services- Costing Guidance issued by Communities and Local Government in January 2009
Does the cost per question vary and if so why?
Yes - Access and maintenance charges differ as does the time involved in replying to/providing access to the information. However this has been bundled into one fee for the whole data set.
When will the fee next be revised?
The volumes and costs of searches will be monitored throughout the year to enable us to calculate costs and fees for 2010/11. New fees will come into effect on 1 April 2010.