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 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

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

From BBC • Oct. 26, 2023

"We encourage people affected by compulsory purchase to take professional advice early to support their claims."

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2023

The Local Government Board subsequently held an inquiry to decide the amount to be paid to the Countess for the compulsory purchase of the land. 

From Norfolk Annals A Chronological Record of Remarkable Events in the Nineteeth Century, Vol. 2 by Mackie, Charles