What is compulsory acquisition?
This is when the government, local council or utility company has the legal right to buy or take rights over your private property. It applies to property that falls within a public or private construction project. Examples of such projects are:
- Airport expansions
- Housing developments
- Electricity pylons and cable
- Flood defence works
- Sewer, water or gas pipe schemes
- Rail or road building projects
Legislation provides some of the above projects with their own compulsory purchase or statutory rights. For example, water pipes are laid under statutory rights under the Water Industry Act 1991. A road bypass will have its own compulsory purchase order through the Acquisition of Land Act 1981.
How will this affect me?
Those with properties that fall within an affected area, will have notices served upon them. Each notice willhave a different expiry time.Those directly affected by the scheme will be compensated.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister website gives detailed guidance on compulsory purchase and compensation.