Compulsory Purchase

The Compulsory Purchase Association annual conference last week provided an opportunity to brush up on current issues and to network.

The event was somewhat muted this year, but with a strong focus on the need for the sector to get better at negotiating early settlements and improve communication with people affected by CPOs.  Proposals are emerging about a Land Compensation Claims protocol process to aid settlements.  The aim is to provide a formal protocol of actions both parties should take to reach a settlement prior to the matter being referred to Tribunal for settlement, with the aim being to either settle or at least narrow down the issues of dispute for the Tribunal to decide upon.  The draft protocol can be found at http://www.compulsorypurchaseassociation.org/files/Land-Compensation-Claims-Protocol—Final-draft-23-4-18.pdf

While on the CPO topic, we understand that the Aylesbury Public Inquiry (take 2) was brought to an end by the Inspector at the end of April.

After commencing this new inquiry in February and after three weeks only being able to hear the case for Southwark Council, further dates for the inquiry were set down in April. However, it is believed that Southwark achieved voluntary settlements with all remaining land interests.

In view of this, the inspector will now be writing his report and recommendations to the Secretary of State – watch this space as we will publicise the decisions as soon as it become available.