Compulsory Purchase and Compensation

What is Compulsory Purchase?

Compulsory Purchase occurs when a public body wished to purchase land, or interests in land, for a scheme deemed to improve an area or 'in the public good'. It can arise for a variety of schemes – such as road schemes, railway or other public transport infrastructure, town centre redevelopments or airport schemes.

Our work

We have wide experience of acting for clients in Compulsory Purchase Schemes, including road schemes and town centre redevelopments.  These range from small road junction improvements to Motorway widening and the HS2 proposal.

We help clients

         We can help explain matters

         We can issue Objections and appear at Public Hearings into the making of any Order

         We act in the negotiation and settlement of claims for Land Take, Injurious Affection and Disturbance

         We can give Expert Evidence at the Lands Tribunal if required

         Whether it is acting for claimants or Acquiring Authorities, our expertise allows us to give timely advice

         tailored to the needs of the client.

Our Objections against a CPO in Stowmarket were upheld by the Planning Inspector, and the scheme was not given Compulsory Purchase powers.  We can submit claims and negotiate them in order to achieve settlement and, if appropriate, attend the Lands Tribunal (Upper Chamber) to present evidence.  

We give clients proactive professional assistance and can combine this with property searches to help clients relocate and so minimise impact on your business.  We have wide experience in acting in respect of claims for compensation and negotiating settlements.

We can also give comprehensive advice to Acquiring Authorities for land cost estimates as well as negotiate any claims.

Part One Claims

Where no land is taken, but a residential property is affected by the use of a new or altered road or airport, it is often possible to obtain Compensation under Part One of the 1973 Land Compensation Act which covers such cases.   There are strict timescales for the submission and negotiation of such claims, and it is important that property owners affected by new public works are properly advised.  We do not charge upfront for submission of claims.  

Again, this is a specialised field of work and we have extensive experience of such claims, including acting in respect of road, tram and airport claims, ranging from small road junction alterations to major Motorway schemes, as well as works at a well-known airport.   We are currently acting for over 200 homeowners with claims at the Lands Tribunal.

We also have experience in acting in respect of Enforcement Notices and Article 4 Direction cases.

Further Information 

Please contact us if you have any questions or want to have an expert act for you.