Apply for a Highways Search

A highways search is typically requested when property or land is being valued, purchased or leased. This can be requested from a solicitor themselves or via a third party search company. 

A standard highway search will provide information in relation to a specific property or road on:

  • Highway status of named roads
  • Road schemes (within 200m)
  • Traffic schemes
  • Outstanding notices relating to highways
  • Compulsory purchase orders

To apply for a Highways Search, you will need:

  • Personal details 
  • Address or location of property or land
  • Plan of the property or area of land, clearly defined by a boundary line
  • 'Eastings' and 'Northings' or National Grid Reference for the property requiring the search
  • Details of which roads you are interested in

Apply for a Highways Search


Highways Searches FAQs

A Highways extent is the approximate width of a publicly maintained highway that is confirmed from various records held by the Local Authority.

An OS plan refers to a detailed Ordnance Survey map that provides information about the physical features of the land in question. Every map has its scale printed on the front with the standard scale being 1:1250 or 1:2500.

Ordinance Survey - Understanding Scale

Do’s:

  • Be specific. If you require a highways search for a specific road/ highway, please name it (only up to 3 additional roads).
  • Submit an appropriate plan (Ideal scale 1:1250 or 1:2500).
  • Provide any additional information you may think will aid your request.
  • ALL personal highway search requests must be submitted via the online form:

Apply for highways search


Don’ts:

  • Do not submit multiple requests for the same property if you have not heard from us straight away, you will be informed if there is delay with your search request.
  • Do not upload irrelevant information. You do not have to upload 3 documents if it’s not needed. To ensure efficiency when processing requests, only submit information that is relevant to your request. 

At this time, we ask that each highways search request is submitted individually using the online form. This approach helps us ensure that the data we collect is accurate and clearly linked to each specific request. It also allows us to process and respond to enquiries more efficiently and consistently.

We endeavour to respond to all requests within 20 working days.