The law of Compulsory Purchase and Compensation has been brought into sharp focus by major public schemes in the past two decades. These have included the Channel Rail Link, the Millennium Dome and most recently, the site for the 2012 Olympic Games. Over 3,000 interests in land are being compulsory purchased by the Olympic Delivery Authority and over 500 lawyers and surveyors are involved in the negotiation of claims.

Compulsory powers are now being used extensively by governmental and quasi-governmental bodies to facilitate the release of brownfield sites for development, and to provide the infrastructure for new development areas.

The statutory rules for the assessment of compensation are the subject of a vast body of litigation. Valuation practice is constantly moving forward on this tide of ongoing case law and it is therefore essential that specialist valuation advice is obtained.

Claimants and acquiring authorities alike need to make proper preparations in advance of compulsory powers being exercised or contested. For claimants, the law provides that their professional charges will be covered by the acquiring authority and most bodies exercising compulsory powers will now recognice that claimants will need to instruct specialist valuers - rather than using a local general practitioner.

Underwoods has been dealing with Compulsory Purchase Compensation claims for Central and Local Government client's - as well as private clients - for over 30 years and is a founder member of the Compulsory Purchase Association.

So whether you are a Local Authority considering the exercise of compulsory powers or a potential claimant fearing their exercise, we would encourage you to contact Underwoods at the earliest possible instance.

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