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We are required to have a Commons Register by the Commons Act 2006.

The Commons Register is a definitive map of Common Land registered in Somerset. The Register is open for public inspection during office hours.

However, it is advisable to telephone and make an appointment to ensure the map and register are available. Or you can book a provisional appointment online.

Apply to view the Commons register

This form has 1 page and will take approximately 1 minute to complete.

The registers

We are responsible for maintaining and updating the common land and town or village green registers. This includes updating the registers when ownership or common rights change or when new town or village greens within Somerset are registered.

The registers are also amended when the land registry advise us of changes in ownership of land.

Members of the public, solicitors and conveyancers can apply to view the commons register.

If you are a member of the public and would like to view the commons register, you can make a provisional appointment online or you can call us. Please give us at least 24 hours notice.

If you are a solicitor or licensed conveyancer and wish to submit a common land or village green search, please submit the CON 29O form, accompanied by 2 copies of the plan.

After you have submitted your request, we will contact you to confirm your appointment.

There is no charge to view the commons register.

The commons register is kept at County Hall, Taunton, Somerset, and you can book an appointment for Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. We are closed at weekends.

More information

Each area of common land or town or village green listed in the Registers has a unique ‘Unit Number’ (CL is the prefix defining land as common land, VG is the prefix defining the land as a town or village green). Each registration is divided into three sections showing details of:

  • Land – This includes a description of the land, who registered it and when it became registered. There are also related plans which show the boundaries of the land.
  • Rights – This includes a description of the rights of common (for example, the right to graze sheep or cattle), over which area of the common they are exercisable and the name of the person (the ‘commoner’) who holds the rights.
  • Ownership – This includes details of owners of the land. However, entries in this section of the registers are not held to be conclusive.

Last reviewed: October 30, 2023 by William

Next review due: April 30, 2024

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