Compulsory purchase

Compulsory Purchase is an acquisition of interests in land or rights, generally by a public body such
as a government department or local authority, which is authorised by an appropriate Compulsory
Purchase Order. This process entitles the purchaser to acquire from an unwilling owner or occupier.
This is most related to proposals for future public works such as transport developments and can
come from local authorities, Highways or Government agencies. Anyone who has land acquired as
part of a CPO is generally entitled to compensation. There are a number of rules and regulations
governing the assessment of compensation, which not only relate to the value of the land and
buildings, but also losses arising from disturbance, severance and injurious affection and in
circumstances where no land is taken.