Part IX Acquisition and Appropriation of Land for Planning Purposes, etc.

Acquisition for planning and public purposes

226 Compulsory acquisition of land for development and other planning purposes.

(1)

A local authority to whom this section applies shall, on being authorised to do so by the Secretary of State, have power to acquire compulsorily any land in their area F1. . . —

F2(a)

if the authority think that the acquisition will facilitate the carrying out of development, re-development or improvement on or in relation to the land,

(b)

F3which is required for a purpose which it is necessary to achieve in the interests of the proper planning of an area in which the land is situated.

F4(1A)

But a local authority must not exercise the power under paragraph (a) of subsection (1) unless they think that the development, re-development or improvement is likely to contribute to the achievement of any one or more of the following objects—

(a)

the promotion or improvement of the economic well-being of their area;

(b)

the promotion or improvement of the social well-being of their area;

(c)

the promotion or improvement of the environmental well-being of their area.

(2)

F5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F6(2A)

The Secretary of State must not authorise the acquisition of any interest in Crown land unless—

(a)

it is an interest which is for the time being held otherwise than by or on behalf of the Crown, and

(b)

the appropriate authority consents to the acquisition.

(3)

Where a local authority exercise their power under subsection (1) in relation to any land, they shall, on being authorised to do so by the Secretary of State, have power to acquire compulsorily—

(a)

any land adjoining that land which is required for the purpose of executing works for facilitating its development or use; or

(b)

where that land forms part of a common or open space or fuel or field garden allotment, any land which is required for the purpose of being given in exchange for the land which is being acquired.

(4)

It is immaterial by whom the local authority propose that any activity or purpose mentioned in subsection (1) or (3)(a) should be undertaken or achieved (and in particular the local authority need not propose to undertake an activity or to achieve that purpose themselves).

(5)

Where under subsection (1) the Secretary of State has power to authorise a local authority to whom this section applies to acquire any land compulsorily he may, after the requisite consultation, authorise the land to be so acquired by another authority, being a local authority within the meaning of this Act.

(6)

Before giving an authorisation under subsection (5), the Secretary of State shall—

(a)

if the land is in a non-metropolitan county F7in England, consult with the councils of the county and the district;

(b)

if the land is in a metropolitan district, consult with the council of the district;

F8(bb)

if the land is in Wales, consult with the council of the county or county borough; and

(c)

if the land is in a London borough, consult with the council of the borough.

(7)

The M1Acquisition of Land Act 1981 shall apply to the compulsory acquisition of land under this section.

(8)

The local authorities to whom this section applies are the councils of counties, F9county boroughs, districts and London boroughs.

F10(9)

Crown land must be construed in accordance with Part 13.