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Compulsory Purchase

We support landowners affected by compulsory purchase, from objection to negotiation and securing the best possible compensation.

We're proactive

We don’t just look after you, we look out for you. That means we bring you insights, advice and keep you up to date on all kinds of legal matters so you can keep ahead.

We’re expert-led

We match a member of the team with the right expertise to every client, who will invest time getting to know you, who will look after your interests and ensure you have access to the whole firm when you need it.

We talk your language

The legal and financial matters might be complex, but we aim to keep things straightforward and explain everything in terms that are relevant to you.

Overview

If your land is under threat - we help you take control

What is compulsory purchase?

Compulsory purchase allows public authorities, and in some cases, private companies (such as utilities) to acquire land without the owner’s agreement. It’s most commonly used for major infrastructure, regeneration, housing or utility projects. If you’ve received notice, it doesn’t mean you’re powerless. You have legal rights and options and the earlier you act, the better your position.

What we do

We support landowners at every stage of the compulsory purchase process, from initial notice through to compensation. Our clients include farmers, developers, rural estates and homeowners. Whether you’re facing a Development Consent Order, a Transport and Works Act Order or a council-led CPO, we help you understand your rights, respond strategically and secure the best possible outcome, whether that’s objecting, negotiating, or protecting your land’s future use.

How we can help

If you’d like to meet one of our experts for a confidential, no obligation chat, please get in touch.

We have offices across Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire, but we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.

I value Tees' commercial property practice for its exceptional legal expertise and strategic approach to property transactions. Their deep understanding of property law, local planning knowledge, and contractual intricacies ensures that matters are thoughtfully considered and strategically structured to protect my interests while remaining compliant with legal requirements.
Legal 500 UK, 2026

Our expertise

We advise at every stage of the compulsory purchase process:

Responding to scheme consultations and notices
Objecting to a compulsory purchase order (CPO)
Negotiating early acquisition and terms
Assessing and claiming compensation
Dealing with blight notices and loss of value
Navigating Development Consent Orders and major infrastructure projects
Working with valuers, land agents and planning consultants

Our Real Estate teams bring decades of experience and understand the wider impact CPOs can have on farming operations, family businesses, commercial landowners and future land use. If you’re also promoting land for development, we’ll ensure that one ambition doesn’t undercut the other.

Don’t leave it too late

The earlier you seek advice, the more options you’ll have. We often support clients before a formal CPO is made – during consultations, route selection or project scoping. Getting expert input at this stage helps you influence decisions and preserve value.

Our experience in compulsory Purchase

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Key people

see all

Aaron Cane

Executive Partner

Real Estate

Sarah Coates

Partner

Real Estate

Daniel Fairs

Partner

Real Estate

Andrew Harrison

Associate

Real Estate

Simon Kelly

Planning Lawyer

Real Estate

Darren Perks

Executive Partner

Dispute Resolution

Victoria Sandberg

Partner

Real Estate

Alexander Waples

Partner

Real Estate

Featured insights

Frequently asked questions

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Contact us today

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Telephone

0800 013 1165