Member

As mentioned in previous debates on this topic, the power to compulsorily acquire any person’s land is a draconian power which engages the European Convention on Human Rights and raises questions of common law fairness. It is a fundamental principle of the compulsory purchase process that the decision-maker must be sure that the use of the power justifies interfering with the human rights of those with an interest in the land affected. In every instance of the use of a CPO, authorities must demonstrate to the decision-maker that such an interference is so justified.