Striking A Balance In CPOs

Regeneration is one of the government's priorities; it continues to make grants and loan funding available to deliver infrastructure which will aid the delivery of regeneration. Compulsory purchase is one of the tools available to the public sector to secure the regeneration of its areas. It is unusual for compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) not to be confirmed by the Secretary of State. CPOs are judged to facilitate regeneration, which then satisfies the requirement that there is a compelling case in the public interest for making and confirming a CPO. However, is regeneration in any form, regardless of the qualitative merits of the scheme, enough to meet the public interest test?

Section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is the power favoured by acquiring authorities seeking to promote and secure redevelopment and regeneration in their area.