Torridge District Council offers simpler, faster local land charges searches

From Tuesday 4^th March 2025, buying a property in Torridge has become quicker and simpler for everyone.

As part of our digital transformation, we have worked with HM Land Registry to transfer our local land charges (LLC) service to their national digital register. The LLC Register allows users to search information online instantly, enabling buying decisions to be made earlier in the conveyancing process.

Most local land charges are restrictions or prohibitions on the use of property or land, such as planning permissions or listed building status. A search of the national register will reveal whether a property is subject to a charge and enable the buyer to make an informed decision about the purchase.

Councillor Simon Newton, Lead member for Legal & Democratic Support, Torridge District Council, said:

"Supporting the delivery of a national register that is fit for the digital age has been a key objective for us.  We are pleased that as from today our residents will have access to a resilient, reliable service that will make it simpler and quicker for everyone involved in the land registry process to make informed decisions about their projects."

Torridge District Councils digital transformation supports wider government priorities to make property transactions quicker, simpler and cheaper. Anyone can access the Search for local land charges service. Business customers can also access it through their HM Land Registry portal account or Business Gateway.

When all local authorities in England and Wales transfer their local land charges service to the national register, it will contain more than 25 million charges. Data users will find it easier to search, merge and digest the information, while entrepreneurs and innovators will be able to develop new social and economic solutions that benefit the wider UK economy.

We are pleased to be among the early adopters of the new register, which enables our customers to benefit from a transparent user-friendly service. For more information visit GOV.UK.

Mar 25