Local authorities and government agencies in England have powers under various acts of parliament, to buy land that is not necessarily for sale by the owner. These are called ‘compulsory purchase’ powers and are important for local authorities and other public bodies to use in order to buy land that is needed to help deliver social and economic changes.
For example, compulsory purchase orders are often used for regeneration and urban renewal, where the Housing Act 1985 gives local councils the powers to buy empty housing for clearance or renovation. The Highways Act 1980 also gives councils the power to buy land to develop local road schemes.
Compulsory purchase in Leeds is usually part of a wider development or regeneration scheme. Before any schemes are implemented, extensive consultation is carried out with the local communities that will be affected. This is to make sure that local views are taken into account at an early stage in the development of any regeneration proposal.
Once a compulsory purchase order has been authorised by Leeds City Council, it is submitted to a Secretary of State in central government for consideration. Everyone with an interest in the land is notified, and the order is also publicised in the local press to give anyone who wants to the chance to object.
If there are objections, a public local inquiry will be held to consider the issues raised. The Secretary of State then makes a decision on whether to confirm the order, ask for it to be modified, or to reject it. Once a compulsory purchase order is confirmed, Leeds City Council can take possession of the land or property. The owner of the land or property is compensated for their loss so that they are financially no worse off following the compulsory purchase.