Council owned land and premises

Can you tell me whether the land next to my house is council owned?

Yes, provided the precise location of the land concerned can be accurately described.

What if I want to know who owns private property?

Please contact the Land Registry or telephone 0207 917 8888 to obtain the relevant enquiry form. Please note, the Land Registry will be unable to assist you if it turns out that the land concerned is unregistered, in which case you may wish to make enquiries locally with neighbours.

Alternatively, if the land is subject to development proposals the head of Planning will be able to provide information on recent planning applications received.

What information do I need to give you before you can tell me whether the council owns a particular property or area of land?

We need to know the boundaries of the land in question and if possible the full postal address. The boundaries are often difficult to describe precisely over the telephone without looking together at a detailed map (which can be arranged for personal visitors).

We should be able to tell from a telephone enquiry whether we own land nearby, but for a more precise answer, a plan showing the exact boundaries of the land can be submitted by fax or post (see contact details on this page).

Is there a charge for this information?

Not at present. However, dependent upon the future demand for this service, we may consider introducing a charge to offset the administrative costs.

How long will it take you to find out the information I have requested?

Again, this will be dependent upon demand and also upon the need for a detailed plan to be submitted to us. If the level of enquiries remains manageable, and provided all necessary details have been provided to us, then a telephone response can normally be given within one working day.

In certain cases, depending on the complexity of land ownership in the area, reference to the council's deeds may be required in which case the enquiry may take longer.