The Compulsory Purchase of Property www.bowlinglaw.co.uk

In the minds of many compulsory purchase orders – CPOs - are

associated with large, high-profile redevelopment or

infrastructure projects such as the 2012 Olympic Park or

Crossrail.

However local authorities, rail companies and national utility

providers are increasingly using CPO powers to obtain land (or

rights over or under it) for a wide variety of redevelopment

projects. These range from large schemes – such as the

redevelopment of an old town centre - to smaller plans for

road-widening, obtaining access to under-developed areas,

installing power lines or redeveloping individual properties

that have fallen into disrepair.

All CPOs are disruptive to those affected, and although the

more limited CPOs may only involve a small area or just part

of a property the effect of the order is no less devastating for

the businesses or homes involved.

Our CPO team has a wealth of experience in acting for

claimants – whether businesses or individuals – who are

forced to move and need advice on the process and how to

get compensation.

If you receive a letter warning of a CPO in your area then talk

to us before you talk to anybody else. We work closely with

expert surveyors/valuers with in-depth knowledge of the

compensation rules to ensure that if you qualify we get you

the best possible compensation package.

We have advised many different claimants and dealt with a

wide variety of acquiring authorities. Our clients have

included:

• A substantial paper production and distribution

company;

• Wedding/function venues;

• Garages, workshops and MOT testing stations;

• Frozen and fresh food wholesalers and retailers;

• Restaurants and fast food outlets;

• Pharmacies;

• Advertising hoarding owners;

• Nightclubs;

• Career advisers;

• Estate agents;

• An advertising/public relations agency;

• Builders, scaffolders and carpenters;

• Churches;

• A heelbar; and

• Taxi and bus operators.

In each case we have worked with local surveyors/valuers

helping to identify and where possible acquire alternative

premises, obtaining advance payments to alleviate the cash-

flow pressures created by having to move, and seeking

compensation for all the moving costs and loss of profit

suffered by the business. Where it has not been possible to

relocate the business we have advised on the compensation

claim based upon the “extinguishment” of the business and

the loss of the owner’s livelihood.

As well as acting for businesses we have advised individuals

and families who have been forced to move from their homes,

and always seek to deal professionally but sympathetically

with what can be a very stressful process. Our conveyancing

team work closely with us to ensure that the move is as

painless as possible.

We have advised clients affected by many different CPOs,

including:

• The 2012 Olympic Park in Stratford;

• The closure of Borough Market in the City of London by

Thameslink;

• The redevelopment of the town centre in Hatfield;

• The extension to and creation of new stations on the

Docklands Light Railway;

• Redevelopment of residential areas in Manchester;

• The redevelopment of Silvertown Way, Canning Town;

• The proposed redevelopment of a large site in

Southend-on-Sea;

• The redevelopment of Rathbone Market in Canning

Town; and

• The acquisition of individual properties in disrepair in

the London boroughs of Wandsworth and Tower

Hamlets.

Where necessary we have obtained for our clients specialist

advice from the Bar (where complex legal issues may have

arisen), forensic accountants (where the accuracy or veracity

of accounts has been challenged) or planning experts (where

permission for a change of use at the proposed new premises

may be required).

In all cases we aim to achieve the quickest and least painful

solution to a problem that has arisen due to matters entirely

outside our client’s control. We are well aware that any move

is disruptive – we are here to help you minimise the damage

and obtain the compensation you are entitled to.

Should you need advice or information on any aspect of a CPO

– even if you have just received a preliminary letter warning

that one may be made in the future – please call a member of

our team who can guide you on what to do next.

Compulsory Purchase team

For more information please contact any member of the

team.

Peter Laskey Partner and Member of the Compulsory Purchase Association t 020 8221 8062 e peter.laskey@bowlinglaw.co.uk

Huseyin E. Huseyin Partner t 020 8221 8074 e huseyin.huseyin@bowlinglaw.co.uk

Roger Hoque Partner t 020 8221 8011 e roger.hoque@bowlinglaw.co.uk

David Stancliffe Senior Associate Solicitor t 020 8221 8068 e david.stancliffe@bowlinglaw.co.uk

Dispute Resolution ● Residential Property ● Commercial Property ● Private client ● Family and Children Business Law Bowling & Co., Solicitors. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA number 70024. 62 Broadway, London E15 1NG. Telephone 020 8221 8000. www.bowlinglaw.co.uk Rev B Jan 2013