Commons registration

We are a Commons Registration Authority under the Commons Registration Act 1965 and the Commons Act 2006. 

The Commons Registration Service has administrative functions only. Information can be provided as to procedures, but where legal advice is required, this must be obtained independently.

Each area of common land and town or village green is listed in the registers under a unique unit number. The register for each unit is divided into three sections:

1. Land - this includes a description of the land registered as common or town or village green and  a definitive register map.
2. Rights - this includes a description of the rights of common (eg the right to graze a set number of stock eg 50 sheep and 10 cows), over which area of the common they are exercisable and to what land these rights are attached.
3. Ownership - this includes details (if known) of owners of the registered land. However, entries in this section of the registers are not held to be conclusive in law. 

• Searches
• Works on common land
• Applications, updates and corrections
• Commons registration notices

Searches

Commons searches

Commons searches are carried out to determine whether a property is on or adjacent to common land. If you require us to carry out a search of the Commons Register, a CON 29(O) form (Optional Enquiries of the Local Authority) is required. These forms are supplied by Law Stationers. Question 22 deals specifically with common land and town or village greens. The form should include a plan preferably on an Ordinance Survey (OS) base map in duplicate, identifying the area to be searched. 

There are two ways in which you can apply for a search to be carried out: 

• as part of a local land charges search where both the CON29(R) form (Required Enquiries of the Local Authority) and CON29(O) form are submitted together; or
• as a stand-alone search on the CON29(O) form (where it is submitted without the Con29(R) form). 

We will then carry out the search and send the result back within 4-5 working days.

Alternatively, you may choose to carry out a personal search where you can check the Commons Register for yourself. However, please note that it will be necessary to make an appointment. There is no charge for personal searches.

Grazing rights searches

Grazing rights searches are carried out to determine whether land has the benefit of rights over common land. Grazing rights searches are not are not covered by a statutory form, but by forwarding a letter and plan the rights query can be answered.

Search fees

Cheques should be made payable to 'City and County of Swansea'

Completing a commons search by post

 You will need to send the following documents to the commons registration team:

1. a completed form CON29(O) in duplicate (available from Law Stationers)
2. a map identifying the area of land to be searched in duplicate preferably on an OS base map
3. the relevant fee (please see above)

We will carry out the search and send you a result within 4-5 working days.

Works on common land

Queries relating to the developing or carrying out of works (eg fencing) on common land should be directed to the Planning Inspectorate of the Welsh Government who determine such cases under the statutory provision of the Commons Act 2006.

Applications, updates and corrections

Various applications can be made to register a new town or village green (under Section 15 of the Commons Act 2006) and those to correct errors in the registers of common land.

More information and application forms are available from: Common land (Welsh Government) (opens new window)