Deeds of Variation and ID

I'm working with a freeholder to manage ground rents. A lessee has recently requested a Deed of Variation to cap the ground rent with no further rent reviews - note, there is no request to extend the lease, the term remains the same. The lessee's conveyancer is now saying the variation creates a new lease, and as such the freeholder must supply an ID1 for the Land Registry. This isn't a usual request for this type of deed, but I'm not a conveyancer. Can you advise, please? 

Hi Sarah - Unless the extent of the land or the term of the lease is being varied, we would only note the Deed of Variation on the existing title register.  Confirmation of identity is not required if a lease is merely being noted, or the application is merely to note easements in a non-registrable lease.

When the extent of the land demised in the existing lease or the term is being changed, then the Deed of Variation is treated as a surrender of the existing lease and registration of new lease.  In such situations we would require evidence of identity. 

I hope this helps. 

Thank you, yes, that's very clear! And thank you for replying so quickly.