Law firm Mills & Reeve has launched an online resource for information on compulsory purchase orders in anticipation of the introduction of High Speed 2.
The development of HS2, a proposed high-speed railway between London, the Midlands and the North of England, is likely to require many small- to medium-sized enterprises and private individuals to seek advice, both in opposing compulsory purchase orders and dealing with compensation for land taken or interfered with.
The CPO Portal www.cpo-portal.co.uk offers an introduction to CPOs and compensation, providing advice on a wide range of topics for individuals, businesses and public bodies affected by CPOs in England and Wales.
The topics include how to object to a compulsory purchase order and how to claim compensation if your property is being compulsorily purchased or if your business has been affected by a compulsory purchase order.
The site also addresses frequently asked questions and provides links to other online resources.
Nathan Holden, partner in the real estate team at Mills & Reeve, comments: “With the proposed introduction of HS2, we are likely to see a significant increase in compulsory purchase orders over the coming years, affecting many people who are currently unfamiliar with the subject area.
“We believe there is a market for this specialist kind of advice, both in opposing the making of compulsory purchase orders as well as dealing with compensation for land taken or interfered with.
“In respect of the latter, public bodies will often try to pay as little as possible in compensation, yet, when in possession of the right legal advice, people and organisations are more likely to get a better deal. Added to this, any legal costs incurred are almost always borne by the public body promoting the order – a typical case can be worth as much as £40k.”
christian.metcalfe@estatesgazette.com
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