The government set out proposals on Tuesday to remove the paywall on the Land Registry so that information about land ownership in England and Wales is available to the public at no cost. Ministers argue that opening up ownership data would help the UK build more homes, protect nature and improve strategic planning.
Campaign groups, however, warned that the reforms could be blocked by landowners. They say those with large holdings have incentives to resist greater transparency and could take steps that undermine the government’s plans.
If implemented, the change would mark the first time ownership data covering the vast majority of land in England and Wales would be freely accessible. Until now the Land Registry charged for many types of searches and copies of title documents, limiting who could easily obtain full ownership information.
The proposals will be subject to an eight-week public consultation, during which stakeholders and members of the public can submit their views. The government said it would consider responses before deciding on next steps, but provided no detailed timetable for implementation.
Supporters of open ownership data say wider access could strengthen local planning decisions and environmental protection by revealing who controls key parcels of land. Opponents, including some landowners and their representatives, have previously expressed concerns about privacy, security and commercial impact, positions that campaigners say could translate into organised resistance to the new rules.