Compulsory Purchase

Compulsory purchase is an important land assembly tool which can enable strategic infrastructure, regeneration and development projects to proceed.

Our CPO team act on all aspects of compulsory purchase, including promotion of, and opposition to, CPOs and dealing with compensation claims both for the acquiring authorities and affected landowners.

We advise acquiring authorities at every stage of the compulsory purchase process, from choosing the appropriate compulsory purchase power, the decision to make the orders, drafting and service of orders and supporting documents, through to preparation for, and representation at, public inquiries, and then dealing with the transfer / vesting of land and settling compensation including references to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber).

Our expertise and experience also extend to advising on the compulsory acquisition powers contained within development consent orders and other infrastructure authorisation procedures.

We also advise on high court judicial review challenges of decisions to make or confirm compulsory purchase orders as well as advising on obligations under the Crichel Down Rules.