Compulsory Purchase and Compensation: Could you be affected?

Posted by Greenslade Taylor Hunt on 19th February 2025 -

One of the Government’s main priories is to help grow the economy, and one of the mechanisms available to achieve this is to increase infrastructure spending. This will more than likely lead to further compulsory purchase schemes, such as new roads, electricity lines, water pipes or railway connections which will affect private landowners and occupiers. 

We have dealt with compulsory purchase schemes ranging from the new National Grid T pylon line, laying of underground water and gas pipes, the sale of land to utility companies, Environment Agency river and drainage works, through to telecom communication masts and new road schemes; the most recent of which being the widening of the A303 and the Banwell Bypass. 

Compulsory purchase and the associated compensation are complicated subjects with numerous layers of legislation and case law dating back to the 1800s. This legislation continues to evolve, with two consultations on compulsory purchase reform currently taking place in England and Wales:

1)     Changes to the power to limit compensation payable for the prospects of planning permission (“hope value”)

2)     Technical changes to the compulsory purchase order process and compensation rules

If you are aware of one of these potential schemes affecting your land or property, it is advisable to make early engagement with the acquiring authority and do not ignore their communications. We also recommend early engagement with an independent agent who can advise you of your rights.

We can assist from the initial design stage while advising on your rights and the compulsory purchase process, as well as trying to mitigate the impact of the scheme on retained property, reducing the land take, and managing the compulsory purchase process, all the way through to agreeing the final compensation claim. 

For bespoke advice in relation to any potential compulsory purchase issues for your individual situation, please contact your local GTH office or Robert Stone on 01278 765588 or [email protected].