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Modifying or Discharging Restrictive Covenants: A hundred years of balancing private rights vs the public interest  

By Sue Long

Restrictive covenants are long-standing features of English property law, often imposed to preserve the character or use of land. However, as land use evolves, many of these covenants become outdated or obstructive to modern development. Fortunately, there are legal mechanisms available to discharge or modify such covenants, the most common being under Section 84 of…

Regeneration of Strangeways and Cambridge

By Sue Long

Say ‘Strangeways’ to a Mancunian or Salfordian and many will think of the imposing Victorian ventilation tower of HMP Manchester which has stood tall over the local skyline for well over a hundred years. These days the skyline is also filled, albeit from distance, with the gleaming skyscrapers that represent the rapid growth of Manchester…

The Role of Mediation in Compulsory Purchase Negotiations

By Sue Long

Negotiations relating to compulsory purchase claims can sometimes be protracted or reach a stalemate position. Mediation is a useful mechanism to facilitate negotiations with the aim of reaching an agreed position. What is Mediation? Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to help resolve compulsory purchase disputes. An independent specialist is appointed as…

How to be an outstanding Acquiring Authority?

By Sue Long

Acquiring Authorities would no doubt love to receive an OFSTED outstanding accreditation in their handling of a compulsory purchase. Now they know how to!! Thanks to the recent Public Inquiry confirmation of the decision in London Borough of Southwark (Elephant and Castle Town Centre) Compulsory Purchase Order (No.2) 2023 the pathway to achieve such an…

Reforming Compulsory Purchase Process and Compensation: A Push for Efficiency, Fairness and Faster Delivery

By Sue Long

The Government has recently concluded a consultation on reforms to the compulsory purchase process and compensation practices, aimed at streamlining the system, reducing costs, and improving fairness, all while facilitating the progression of essential infrastructure projects. Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) enable public authorities to acquire private property or land for projects deemed to benefit the…