The UK government has not provided a timeline for when the public will gain free access to land ownership data for large plots in England and Wales. This follows a commitment made by Defra in March to work towards lifting the paywall on the Land Registry, aimed at increasing transparency and accountability among large landowners.
Campaigners argue that access to this data is crucial for various environmental and planning initiatives, including housing development and pollution control. However, the Land Registry has indicated that consultations are still needed before any concrete plans can be established.
Watch for updates from Defra and the Land Registry in early 2024 regarding public consultations on land ownership data. The outcome could significantly influence local planning and environmental initiatives, especially under the new localism agenda of Prime Minister Andy Burnham.