Compulsory purchase being readied for bypass land
Herefordshire chiefs say they will have to enable the use of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) in order for the first phase of the Hereford bypass to go ahead
Herefordshire chiefs say they will enable the use of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) in order to secure land along the route of the first phase of the Hereford bypass to ensure it goes ahead.
Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet will next week decide whether to begin the CPO process for the strip of land from the A49 roundabout junction with the B4399, round to the A645 near the junction with the B4349.
The council says this would simply be following established practice for major infrastructure schemes, enabling it to deliver the project within the planned timescales.
While its preferred approach is still to acquire the land through negotiation with landowners, with whom discussions “are continuing in good faith”, use of CPOs “is a necessary and proportionate safeguard” if voluntary agreements cannot be reached, it said.
Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure Cllr Philip Price said: “This latest milestone – a necessary and proportionate one – underlines this council’s commitment to improve resilience and transform connectivity for our residents and businesses.
“While we continue to work hard to reach voluntary agreements with landowners, the option of a CPO helps us keep the project on track.”
The council intends that work on phase 1 of the bypass will begin by the end of next year.
Describing the scheme as “one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Herefordshire’s history”, Coun Price said the Hereford bypass “will unblock congestion in the city and allow it to breathe; it will unlock growth potential for the whole county with new homes and employment land, and it will unleash Herefordshire’s future”.
A CPO allows councils and other public bodies to acquire land or property without the owner’s consent, where it is needed for a project that serves the wider public interest.
A local authority must first formally resolve to make the CPO, which is then made and submitted to the Secretary of State for confirmation.
If approved, the council would then compensate the landowner based on the market value of the land and any associated costs.
“If even one landowner refuses to sell, the entire project could stall,” the council points out.
At the Cabinet’s previous meeting, head of finance Coun Pete Stoddart said the council was seeking “urgent meetings” with landowners along the route.