Enquiries as to whether or not the Council owns a particular property or piece of land should be directed to one of the following (please read on for further details of what information we need in order to respond):

Property and Project Delivery

Telephone: 01225 477241

E-mail: Property@bathnes.gov.uk

The Council has a computerised system of Ordnance Survey maps showing the boundaries of all land owned by the Council along with details of acquisitions and disposals.  Using these maps together with database records, Property Services holds details of leases, lettings, licences easements and rights of way in Council Ownership, as well as which Council department is responsible.  If you let us know the reason for your enquiry we will normally be able to direct you to the person best able to assist you further if the land or property in question is Council owned.

Can you tell me whether a particular property or piece of land is Council owned?

What if I want to know who owns private property?

What if my enquiry concerns highway land?

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

Can I make my enquiry online?

Is there a charge for this information?

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


Can you tell me whether a particular property or piece of land is Council owned?

Yes, provided the precise location of the land concerned can be accurately described (see below for information we need in order to help you)

What if I want to know who owns private property?

The Council does not hold a record of private land ownership. The only public record of such ownerships is held by the Land Registry who can provide you with information on registered ownerships for a small charge.

Guidance on undertaking a search of the Land Registry’s records can be found by following the links from the website Land Registry and in many case this can be undertaken online. Note however that the Land Registry will be unable to assist you if it turns out that the land concerned is unregistered, in which case you may need to make enquiries locally with neighbours.  Alternatively, if the land is subject to development proposals Planning Services will be able to provide information on recent applications for planning consent received by the Council.

Land Registry searches for the B&NES area can also be undertaken by post to: Land Registry Plymouth Office, Seaton Court, 2 William Prance Road, Plymouth PL6 5WS. If you do not have access to the website however it would be advisable to telephone the enquiry line first on 0844 892 1111 to find out details of what information you will need to provide and further guidance on how to proceed.

What if my enquiry concerns highway land?

Land maintained by the Council as part of the adopted highway is managed separately to land in Council ownership, and is not dealt with directly by Property Services.  If you think the land you are concerned about may be highway then contact Council Connect  council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk

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.  We should be able to give an initial response as to whether or not the Council owns any land in the vicinity from a telephone enquiry, but for a more precise answer a plan showing the exact boundaries of the land should be submitted by fax or post or brought into the office (see contact details at the top of the page).

Can I make my enquiry online?

The Council is currently developing a system to make maps accessible via the website which will enhance online access.  Until this is in place, for land or property with a postal address (or which can be described accurately without a detailed plan) enquiries may be submitted by e-mail to the address above.

Is there a charge for this information?

Not at present. However, dependent upon the future demand for this service, the Council 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 the Council.  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.

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