05/93 - Compulsory Purchase Orders Made Under Housing Powers

DoE 05/93 and WO 02/93 (19 February 1993)

This circular has now been cancelled by  'Circular 02/03 - Compulsory Purchase Orders'.

This circular provides comprehensive guidance to local authorities considering whether to make compulsory purchase orders under the Housing Acts. It also provides guidance on information to be submitted in support of applications for the confirmation of orders.

The circular outlines the circumstances in which powers may be used. Acquisition must achieve a qualitative or quantitative gain in housing accommodation. The powers are mainly used to assemble land for housing, to bring empty properties into use and to improve substandard properties.

Currently, says the circular, local authorities use it to acquire land for disposal to the private sector, to housing associations or to owner-occupiers. The powers do not extend to acquiring property for the purpose of improving the management of housing accommodation.

The circular also covers undertakings not to implement compulsory purchase orders if owners improve their property within a given time.

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