compulsory purchase

British  

noun

1. purchase of a house or other property by a local authority or government department for public use or to make way for development, regardless of whether or not the owner wishes to sell

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Example Sentences

The Welsh government offered to compulsory purchase the house, in the Cefn Coed area of Merthyr, but John said he declined because of sentimental reasons.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2025

South Gloucestershire Council cabinet also approved the use of compulsory purchase orders to secure the necessary land, which had a variety of owners and could not be acquired through negotiation.

From BBC • Nov. 17, 2023

They were served with a compulsory purchase order and bailiffs were brought in.

From BBC • Oct. 26, 2023

Comprised of farmers, landowners and others with an interest in the County Tyrone area, the group was launched in 2009 to oppose the compulsory purchase of land to construct the road.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2023

If an objection is made to an order for compulsory purchase or hire, the order will not be confirmed by the Board of Agriculture until after a local inquiry has been held.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 4 "England" to "English Finance" by Various