Negotiation

Early negotiation can often deliver better commercial outcomes than reliance on compulsory purchase powers, particularly where those powers are uncertain, unavailable or disproportionately expensive to the value of what is required.

Negotiated settlements frequently provide a quicker, more proportionate route to land assembly while reducing cost and dispute risk.

We advise both landowners and acquiring authorities on strategic negotiation in the context of Compulsory Purchase Orders, ensuring that the planning position, valuation considerations and long-term land interests are properly understood before formal powers are exercised.

CASE STUDY

Negotiation in Advance of Compulsory Purchase

Jonathan Scott-Smith has extensive experience of advising both acquiring authorities and landowners on negotiated acquisitions, sales and temporary occupations.

A recent example near Milton Keynes involved negotiating the sale of a light industrial building to the local authority, alongside the acquisition of a suitable replacement property from them, effectively a swap. The agreed terms included refurbishment and fit-out of the replacement premises, an overlap period to minimise business disruption, and reimbursement of removal and associated costs.

The negotiated solution enabled the authority to progress its scheme earlier and at lower cost than pursuing a CPO, while minimising disturbance and risk to the client’s business.

CPO Services