Under the provisions of the Aquisition of Land Act 1981 the Council has the power to acquire land compulsorily if necessary to carry out development or works for the benefit of the public. This can include redevelopment of an area for housing, the construction of a new highway, or the construction of a new school, library, sports complex, etc.

The Council can also use its powers to assemble land for town centre redevelopment schemes by private developers usually called “regeneration schemes”.

The legislation prescribes the procedure to be followed which involves public advertisement of the proposals, and the service of notice upon affected landowners, lessees and occupiers, as well as statutory undertakers (gas, water, electricity, telecommunications etc.) where appropriate before submitting the Order to the Secretary of State for confirmation. A right of objection exists against any such proposals.

The Secretary of State will normally convene a public inquiry in the event of objections being lodged against the proposals. The proposals may be quashed or the order may be confirmed with or without modification.

Compensation is payable to affected parties in accordance with legislative provision.

Further guidance on the procedure and compensation can be obtained from

• the Council's Legal Services on 01924 305011 or email: legalservices@wakefield.gov.uk
  
• Government publications on the Gov.UK website (see 'Related Links').