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Understanding the Distinction between Land Registry Plans and Ordnance Survey Plans in the UK

Friday 5th January 2024

Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS

Introduction:
In the United Kingdom, Land Registry plans and Ordnance Survey plans play distinct roles and are produced by separate organisations. While they both serve important purposes, it is crucial to understand their differences to ensure their proper utilisation.

1. Land Registry Plan:
- Definition and Purpose: Explaining that Land Registry plans outline the boundaries and extent of a specific property as recorded in the HM Land Registry, which is responsible for maintaining ownership records in England and Wales.
- General Boundaries: Highlighting that Land Registry Title Plans show the general boundaries of a property, but they may not be precise representations and are intended as guides rather than exact lines.

2. Ordnance Survey Plan:
- Definition and Purpose: Describing the Ordnance Survey as the national mapping agency for Great Britain, responsible for producing detailed and accurate maps.
- Comprehensive Representation: Emphasising that Ordnance Survey plans provide a comprehensive representation of an area, including roads, buildings, physical features, and landscape.
- Versatile Use: Explaining the various purposes of Ordnance Survey plans, such as navigation, planning, development, and environmental planning.

Key Differences:
- Purpose: Clarifying that Land Registry plans are primarily used for legal purposes, while Ordnance Survey plans serve multiple functions, including planning, navigation, and recreational activities.
- Detail and Scale: Highlighting the high level of detail in Ordnance Survey plans, which can be produced at different scales, compared to the less detailed Land Registry plans.
- Accuracy: Stating that Ordnance Survey maps are continuously updated and highly accurate, reflecting changes in the landscape, whereas Land Registry plans focus on legal boundaries and may not be as frequently updated.
- Legal Standing: Explaining that Land Registry plans have legal standing in property ownership and rights, while Ordnance Survey plans do not typically hold the same legal weight but provide valuable context for planning and development projects.
- Source: Mentioning that Land Registry plans are based on information provided during the registration process, including historical deeds and surveys, while Ordnance Survey plans are derived from comprehensive surveys conducted by the agency.

Conclusion:
Summarising the key points and highlighting that while both Land Registry plans and Ordnance Survey plans are important, they serve different purposes and are utilised by different stakeholders. Understanding their distinctions is essential for effective use in legal and practical contexts.

Contact:
Here at Tayross Associates, Carl and Mike are both Chartered Surveyors with experience in Dilapidations, Planning Matters, Building Surveying, Building Consultancy, Contract Administration, Project Management, Boundary Disputes and Party Wall related matters. They are happy help with any questions you may have regarding the above.

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