Scheme Land Cost Assessment

Every infrastructure scheme requires a realistic estimate of the compensation payable to affected landowners and occupiers. Demonstrating “proof of funding” is a fundamental part of the consenting process — without a clear understanding of likely land acquisition costs, a scheme cannot properly proceed.

We provide scheme land cost assessments and compulsory purchase compensation estimates across Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, supporting acquiring authorities and project promoters from early feasibility stages through to fully designed schemes.

Jonathan Scott-Smith has extensive experience preparing compensation forecasts, from initial route alignments with little more than a line on a plan, to detailed infrastructure proposals. This work demands a thorough understanding of the statutory compensation code and the likely impact on agricultural, residential and commercial property interests.

Early-stage assessments may require discretion and careful handling, particularly where schemes are commercially sensitive.

CASE STUDY

A major highway upgrade in Cornwall, comprising around seven miles of new dual carriageway, four miles of local side roads, junctions and crossings. Statutory consent was granted in January 2005, construction began in July 2005 and the road was fully opened to traffic in July 2007, at a  total cost of £93m.

Wreyland Rural Planning Consultants provided an initial compensation estimate and periodic updates as the design developed and land occupation and ownership information was obtained. The report estimated the total compensation liability, broken down by heads of claim and individual claimants when land ownership information became available, and identified risks and mitigation opportunities. We then became responsible for negotiating claims from over 50 affected parties, liaising with both land acquisition teams and the engineers and contractor building it.

CPO Services