Compulsory Purchase & Compensation

Compulsory Purchase is a legal function that permits the forced purchase of privately owned land or property for public use. The laws around compulsory purchase are technically complex and require specialist expertise of both legal and procedural requirements arising from the promotion or opposition of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) or Development Consent Orders (DCO).

As a top-ranked stand-alone team of specialists, we come highly recommended from a broad range of clients including public sector bodies, developers and landowners as a “First class practice, known for its ‘stunning advice’.” (Legal 500). We have a deep understanding, proven track record and expert resources to handle all the issues surrounding CPO strategy, policy, process and compensation.

We can guide you through the compulsory purchase process including:

• Making CPOs (including related process and consultation documents)
• Site entry and compulsory acquisition by agreement, notice of entry/treat, vesting declaration and deed poll
• CPO objections, public inquiry or DCO examination
• References of compensation to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber)
• Certificate of Appropriate Alternative Development applications and appeals
• Crichel Down Rules

We are a proactive team, and understand that engagement with those affected by compulsory purchase is key to success. It is critical to establish a project timetable from the outset, by which progress of the project can be measured and from which members of the public can be fully informed.

Some of our recent work includes representing the Welsh Government at the high profile M4 CaN public inquiry, which resulted in a successful inspector’s report before the project was withdrawn by the First Minister and representing Cheshire East on the Congleton and Poynton schemes, which have been successfully delivered.

We will work with you to ensure that you understand the process and recommend pragmatic solutions and give pragmatic advice to achieve the results you need within your timescale and budget.

Related expertise include: Highways, Infrastructure, Planning & Environmental, Public Sector Regeneration & Development, SuDs.