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

But last year, the Local Government Association said councils had highlighted that compulsory purchase orders require "considerable resources to be of any significant use in facilitating town centre regeneration".

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

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

"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

The government bought the building in Braunau am Inn near the German border under a compulsory purchase order in 2016 after a lengthy dispute.

From BBC • May 23, 2023

An Artisans Dwellings Act empowered municipal corporations to acquire land by compulsory purchase, for the erection of workmen's houses.

From A Short History of English Liberalism by Blease, Walter Lyon