Compulsory acquisition for NSIPs

Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis

The Planning Act 2008 (PA 2008) provides for the need for development consent orders (DCOs) for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs). The regime allows for compulsory purchase powers to be authorised as part of the DCO, with no need to seek separate compulsory purchase order powers for such NSIPs in England. For development in Wales, where compulsory acquisition is required for associated development, a separate compulsory purchase order will still need to be promoted. See Practice Note: Compulsory acquisition for NSIPs—introduction and principles.

Compulsory purchase in relation to development which does not constitute an NSIP is subject to separate legislation. See: Compulsory purchase orders—overview.

Justification for authorisation of compulsory acquisition as part of the DCO

The Secretary of State must be satisfied of the merits and need for the overall project before a decision on the compulsory acquisition powers can be made.

Purpose for which compulsory acquisition may be authorised as part of DCO (PA 2008, s 122)

PA 2008, s 122 provides that a DCO can only authorise the compulsory acquisition of land where the Secretary of State is satisfied that two

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Existing user? Sign-in TAKE A FREE TRIAL
Powered by Lexis+®
Latest Planning News

Defra publishes first England-specific habitats regulations 9A report for 2019–24

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has published England's first country-level assessment under regulation 9A of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, SI 2017/1012 (as amended) covering conservation measures for habitats and species from 2019–24. Produced with Natural England acting on Defra’s behalf, the report fulfils the statutory six-year reporting requirement and evaluates how measures implemented on land and in the marine environment out to 12 nautical miles have supported the conservation and recovery of habitats, species and wild birds of European importance. It also assesses the impacts of these measures, the main pressures affecting biodiversity, and the monitoring and research undertaken during the reporting period.

The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025-implications for the energy sector

Energy analysis: The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 (PIA 2025), which received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025, introduces wide-ranging planning reforms across the UK economy. While the PIA 2025 impacts a range of sectors and industries, it includes specific provisions that affect the energy sector. These provisions and their implications for energy developers and investors are explored in this News Analysis by Rory Bennett, counsel and Lucy Bruce Jones, partner of Norton Rose Fulbright LLP and the Lexis+® Energy and Planning teams.

Planning weekly highlights—22 January 2026

This week’s edition of Planning weekly highlights includes: a consultation on Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance; the first building safety newsletter; further analysis of the revised draft NPPF; a government response on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings regime; and changes to the publication of planning appeal documents in Wales.

Design and placemaking Planning Practice Guidance consultation

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published a consultation seeking views on the usability of a consolidated draft of Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance and associated changes to national planning policy. The consultation seeks views on the clarity and usability of the draft consolidated design and placemaking guidance, its relationship with the draft text and the NPPF, and related proposed changes to national planning policy, to help refine the final guidance so it effectively supports good design and placemaking in plan-making and decision-taking.

View Planning by content type :  
News
Practice notes
Precedents
Q&As

Popular documents

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the current registered owner? Or does the informal exoneration only apply to the parties to the document which informally exonerated the rentcharge?This Q&A considers the situation where, at some

Strike out—making an application to strike out a statement of case

Strike out—making an application to strike out a statement of caseA strike out order can be made either following an application by the parties or on the court's own initiative. This Practice Note deals with the scenario of the order being made following a party's application.Making an application

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?A limited company having a share capital may not alter that share capital, except in the ways listed in section 617 of the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006). Shares in a company cannot simply be cancelled without following an

Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms and disclosure requirements

Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms and disclosure requirements[Insert addressee details]Dear [insert name][It is our understanding that [insert name of prospective employee] [was an employee of yours between the dates of [insert dates as appropriate] OR is a current employee of
If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the current registered owner? Or does the informal exoneration only apply to the parties to the document which informally exonerated the rentcharge?This Q&A considers the situation where, at some

Strike out—making an application to strike out a statement of case

Strike out—making an application to strike out a statement of case

Strike out—making an application to strike out a statement of caseA strike out order can be made either following an application by the parties or on the court's own initiative. This Practice Note deals with the scenario of the order being made following a party's application.Making an application

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?A limited company having a share capital may not alter that share capital, except in the ways listed in section 617 of the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006). Shares in a company cannot simply be cancelled without following an

Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms and disclosure requirements

Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms and disclosure requirements

Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms and disclosure requirements[Insert addressee details]Dear [insert name][It is our understanding that [insert name of prospective employee] [was an employee of yours between the dates of [insert dates as appropriate] OR is a current employee of