Compulsory Purchase Orders: Safeguarding Your Property Rights

A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) is a legal function exercised by various authorities in the UK to acquire land or property without the consent of the owner, for public benefit or development projects. While the concept of a CPO is rooted in the betterment of the community, it can evoke feelings of anxiety and frustration among property owners.

During the planning for HS2, the UK Government set about making a large number of compulsory purchases to make way for the large infrastructure project. This led to many families and businesses having to leave their much-loved homes and premises. The argument runs that these purchases are made for the greater good of the community and the country as a whole, but that doesn't make the process any easier for people who don't want to lose their homes.