Insight
5 Feb 2021, 11:05
The Law Commission described the law around compulsory purchase orders as “an unwieldy and lumbering creature” in its
Towards a Compulsory Purchase Code report.
In truth, part of the reason why the law is challenging is the schizophrenic nature of the approach the Courts have taken to compulsory acquisition.
So in one case the Court of Appeal referred to the “draconian” nature of the exercise of compulsory purchase power, whereas the House of Lords described the power as: “an essential tool in a modern democratic society [that] facilitates planned and orderly development.”
It is strange then that despite the nature of the creature, the powers available to Local Authorities are increasingly being used as a vehicle to secure development and regeneration.
Dr Edward Jones of Bangor University’s Business School. Photo: Mandy Jones The grit and innovation shown by North Wales businesses points the way to a bright future for an economy battered by the pandemic, Brexit and wild winter weather. That s the verdict of leading economist Dr Edward Jones, of Bangor University, who has seen reasons to be cheerful over the past 12 months in the resilience shown by people and businesses across the region. That s been backed by a multi-million-pound North Wales Growth Deal and a Hollywood-inspired Wrexham football renaissance - just two of the reasons to be cheerful in 2021.
Powys Business Awards 2019..Pictured is Rosemarie Harris..Picture by Phil Blagg..PB490-2019-17. CONCERNS have been expressed that the Mid Wales Growth Deal is being driven by civil servants rather than politicians. At a meeting of the Growing Mid Wales Board, members of both Powys and Ceredigion County Council were told that agreeing the full deal with both Welsh and UK Governments could take 12 to 18 months. This follows the signing of the Heads of Terms agreement between both governments and both councils on December 22, 2020 which committed the Welsh and UK Government to the deal. Growth Deal strategic manager, Carwyn Jones-Evans, explained that work would continue to put the portfolio business case together.
CEO, Comtek Network Systems UK Ltd & chair DBF Several years ago, the six councils in North Wales put their political differences to one side and combined forces to create a regional development body to transform the economic and social wellbeing of North Wales and its citizens. They created the North Wales Economic Ambition Board (NWEAB). This was the beginning of collaboration rather than competition between the councils. All the six council leaders joined the board as the members with voting powers. The team combined their resources and worked hard with total dedication. They applied to the UK and Welsh government for a regeneration grant called the North Wales Growth Deal. They knew well that the best way to achieve their aspiration of winning a large grant would be to work closely with the private sector. They therefore actively sought support from the North Wales Business Council.
Padiham s multi-million pound flood risk management scheme is set to continue Work is set to begin on proposed sites as part of Padiham’s £9 million flood scheme. Once completed, the scheme will aim to protect over 150 homes and bushinesses in central Padiham as well as manage surface water risk on local highways. The Environment Agency said it will carry out the investigations including digging of trial pits and boreholes to identify foundations and underground services at sites across the town. This work is expected to last for around 8 weeks. This investigation work will allow the Environment Agency, Burnley Borough Council and other partners to anticipate any issues and plan effectively for the construction phase.