Many of the questions we get asked are not really Council matters but we will try to help and advise you as best we can.
‘What is my correct postal address?’
We will check our records, which should show the correct address. We can also check with Council Tax, Elections and the Royal Mail.
‘What is the correct postcode of my property?’
The Royal Mail is best placed to answer such questions although if the property is part of a recent development the Street naming Section should have a copy of the Official Notice giving the postcode.
‘What is the correct spelling of a road name?’
If the road was built after 1974 and the formation of the South Hams District, our records should show the correct spelling of the road. If not a cross check of our internal records can be made. If there is any doubt then the Parish/Town Council may be able to advise.
‘Can I change the number of my house?’
This cannot be done unilaterally if the existing number forms part of a sequence; it is only permissible as part of an overall re-numbering scheme.
‘I have built a new, completely separate property what should its address be?’
Give the property a name rather than a number – we can make a check of the Royal Mail Address Development Team, Sunderland, simply to avoid duplication of names within the same postal district. We can also send you a copy of our ‘House Naming/Name Change Help Leaflet’.
For street naming guidelines.
If the property is built next to say No. 23 High Street, then the property could be allocated No. 23 a. However if number 23 is the last of the existing properties, or a gap exists in the existing numbering sequence, then one of the unused numbers might be employed as long as a logical sequence is maintained.
‘Can I change the name of my house?’
For house naming.guidelines.
A property in my road is using the same number as my own! Which is correct?’
If this involves one of the Councils numbering schemes then we should easily be able to find the correct number for each property. If it is not we can check our internal records. Some of the sources are unfortunately not definitive. ‘Claimants’ to the number might have to provide documentary evidence from their deeds. Plymouth District Land Registry may be able to help.
‘A property in the same area as my own is using the same name as my house - I was first!’
This can only be resolved by the parties involved.
‘I keep getting the wrong post!’ Or ‘My post is not being delivered!’
This is not a council matter but a matter to be sorted out by the Royal Mail and the local delivery office.
Royal Mail
Address Development Team
Admiral House, 2 Admiral Way
Doxford International Business Park
SUNDERLAND
SR3 3XW
Contact Telephone Number: 08456 04 50 60
Fax Number: 08456 05 44 33
Post Code Enquiry Line: 08457 111 222
Customer Services: 0845 7740 740
Website: Royal Mail
If you have a problem contact us and we will do our best to help you.
'Is this property in your area?'
Please telephone the Council and ask for the Local Land Charges section on 01803 861127
'What are your fees?' ' When will it increase?'
The current standard search fee is £97.00. It is reviewed annually and any change generally takes effect from 1st April.
'How long does a Local Land Charges search take?'
We aim to reply to standard Local Land Charge searches within 6 working days, though currently we are responding within 4 working days.
'Do I need to send a plan with my Local Land Charges search?'
Yes three copies of an up to date Ordnance Survey plan with the boundary of the property clearly identified.
Plans are not required if site layout plans have been 'deposited' with the Council specifically for search purposes by the developers of a new housing site.
'Who should the cheque be made payable to?'
South Hams District Council'
'Are you on the Document Exchange (DX)?'
Yes
DX 300050
Totnes 2.
'What is the difference between an official search and a personal search?'
The most important differences are:
- The official search is certified by the Council; the Local Land Charges Act 1975 makes provision for compensation if anything goes wrong. The accompanying CON29R Form can only be completed by trained Council staff who have access to the information required. The information includes approved schemes that have not yet been implemented such as highway schemes, parking restrictions, traffic calming measures or Building Control, Environmental Health or Planning notices which are outstanding.
- A personal search can be made by appointment at the Council office. The search result is from the Register of Local Land Charges and does not include CON29R or CON29O information although personal callers can inspect other statutory registers such as the Planning Register and the Highways Register. The search result is not certified and any compensation claim has to be made through the Persoanl Search Agent who completed the search.
For personal search guidelines
'Do you answer the drainage enquiries?'
No not since 1 April 2002. Please refer to South West Water, Records Office, Peninsula House, Rydon Lane, Exeter, EX2 7HR
Website: South West Water.
'What other searches do I need to do, coal mining, tin etc.?'
We are unable to answer this question for reasons of liability. The Law Society Conveyancing Handbook contains some information with regard to which searches should be made in the different parts of the United Kingdom.
'Do you carry out searches of the Commons Register?'
Yes please submit a CON29O form and indicate Question number 22 on that form, with the appropriate plans and fee.
'Do you offer expedited Local Land Charges searches?'
Yes for an additional fee we will endeavour to fax or email the completed search forms early on the third working day, please indicate if you prefer the results to be emailed.
'If the land is within Dartmoor National Park, do we need to send searches to the National Park Authority?'
No, all searches will be dealt with by South Hams District Council.
'Do you register land ownership?' or 'Can you tell us who is the owner of a plot of land?'
No, this Department holds no information regarding land ownership. However Property Services are able to tell you whether a piece of land is within South Hams District Councils ownership.
Local knowledge is often the only way of finding out ownership, although you may find further information from:-
Plymouth District Land Registry,
Plumer House,
Tailyour Road,
Crownhill,
Plymouth, Devon
PL6 5HY
DX 8299
Plymouth 4
Telephone number:- 01752 636123
'Can you tell me where the boundaries of my property are?'
No, we hold no information regarding boundaries. They are complex subjects in themselves. The starting place for this information is the deeds of the property. Speak with your solicitor or you may need to employ the services of a legally qualified person or qualified surveyor.
