Expect more Compulsory Purchase Orders. A parliamentary Select Committee has recommended that local plans should make provision for town centre supermarket sites if the sequential test is to operate properly. It also called for local authorities to exercise Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers to enable site assembly.
There has been evidence of greater CPO activity by local authorities. For example, in Wickham town centre, a successful Tesco superstore was recently CPO'd. Tesco's challenge was dismissed as the Inspector found neither the present store, or a replacement, would fit into the proposed town centre redevelopment.
New Business Rates. The new non-domestic rating list came into force on 1 April 2000. Transitional provisions will limit the increases in rates for the first year with larger increases in subsequent years. Appeals against incorrect revaluation can be made, but it is important to appeal quickly as any alteration will only have effect from the beginning of the
