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Compulsory acquisition services

Expert CPO/​DCO procedure guidance and order preparation, including statement of reasons, preparation and professional written representations, rebuttals, and hearing representations, along with all supporting plans and documents

Dalcour Maclaren specialises in supporting infrastructure projects involving Compulsory Acquisition through either Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) or Development Consent Orders (DCOs). 

Our experienced team collaborates with developers, legal teams, local authorities and project directors to navigate the compulsory purchase processes for significant projects.

From compulsory purchase strategy and compensation assessment to claims management, Property Cost Estimate (PCE) services and public inquiry support, our specialists help clients navigate every stage of the compulsory acquisition process.

Having supported more than 70 DCO projects and 30+ CPO projects, we bring proven expertise to some of the UK's most complex compulsory purchase schemes. We have also contributed to the resolution of more than 200 Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) cases, showing our evidence delivery consistently meets the highest standards of legal scrutiny, and a significant number of our team has given evidence at Public Inquiry and DCO hearings.

We provide strategic advice on land assembly and work closely with landowners to facilitate negotiations and minimise objections, ensuring a seamless process. Our services are particularly relevant for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) in the energy and water sectors.

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We have delivered more in our space across the UK than anyone else and learnt from every experience. The computer says no, but we don’t. It’s not about spotting a problem, it’s about offering a solution to it.

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Our Services

CPO application & documentation

Written representations & submissions

Formal submission of written statements expressing concerns or support regarding CPO processes.

Rebuttal documentation

Expert response to objections and representations with comprehensive case building.

Statement of reasons

Professional preparation of statutory documents justifying compulsory purchase requirements.

Hearing & inquiry support

Hearing representations

Professional representation at CPO hearings, presenting evidence and addressing concerns.

Public inquiry support

Comprehensive support for CPO public inquiries, including evidence preparation and client representation.

Strategic CPO management

CPO procedure guidance

End-to-end CPO process management ensuring compliant statutory procedures.

Evidence production & case building

Professional evidence compilation and presentation supporting CPO applications.

Order document production

Production of land documents forming part of DCO and CPO applications, including management plans.

Advanced support services

SoCG Management

Drafting and engaging on Statements of Common Ground throughout examination and inquiry phases, ensuring all parties are on the same page and reducing potential conflicts.

Upper tribunal representation

Representing clients at the Upper Land Tribunal in complex compulsory purchase cases.

DCO & legal support services

Written representations & rebuttals

Formal submission of written statements expressing concerns or support regarding CPO processes.

Public inquiry support

Assisting clients during public inquiries, including evidence preparation, representation and objection addressing.

Expert witness services

Professional testimony in legal disputes related to DCO and CPO activities with MRTPI-accredited support.

Property Cost Estimate (PCE) services

Evidence and examination support

We will provide land and property evidence, compensation evidence, as well as statement review and challenge, and negotiation strategy.

A trusted partner

Compulsory purchase is about more than securing land rights. Success depends on balancing project delivery, stakeholder engagement, valuation, compensation and legal compliance.

Our specialists provide advice on:

  • Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) strategy
  • Development Consent Order (DCO) land powers
  • Land assembly and acquisition planning
  • Objection management and negotiation
  • Public inquiry and examination support
  • Statements of Common Ground
  • Statutory process management

DM’s extensive experience in Compulsory Purchase Orders and Development Consent Orders have established us as a trusted partner for major infrastructure projects.

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Your service specialist

Get in touch for more information on our Compulsory Acquisition services.

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Land & Property

Ellie Clements

Associate Director
MRICS

Specialising in DCOs, land rights strategy and the negotiation of associated land interests to support infrastructure projects

Contact Ellie
  • 01

    Acquisition, consents & compensation

    At DM, we act as a specialist bridge between developers, landowners, regulators and communities

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  • 02

    Land referencing

    Identifying and analysing land interests

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  • 03

    Planning & permitted development

    Our services include feasibility studies, pre-application enquiries, planning applications and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)

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  • 04

    Valuation

    Independent valuation advice across infrastructure, utilities and property

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