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 taskforce has recommended new towns are delivered by development corporations, which could have special planning powers to compulsory purchase land, invest in local services, and grant planning permission.

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2025

Instead, the state could compulsory purchase a London hotel and give MPs a room there - a truck stop for parliamentarians, if you will.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2024

"It will ultimately be for the Secretary of State to decide whether a compulsory purchase order can be approved and if the removal of hope value is appropriate."

From BBC • May 30, 2023

They said they were subject to compulsory purchase orders but had not yet received any money.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2023

Powers of compulsory purchase of lands are also given under the Lands Clauses Acts, but before these can be put in operation certain conditions must be observed.

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