Vital tool in region's recovery

A DECLINE in compulsory purchase orders could threaten future regeneration, according to a new report.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Mar 2010, 13:49 BST
Updated 11th Mar 2010, 13:49 BST

The report by law firm Dickinson Dees, commissioned by the Northern Way, showed the use of CPOs fell by almost 50 per cent in 2009 compared to the previous year, reflecting the economic downturn.

Frank Orr, planning expert at Dickinson Dees, said: "With public sector spending cutbacks inevitable, local authorities should be reminded that CPOs are an effective tool for regeneration and that, if properly made, their success rates are generally very high. Economic recovery will in part depend upon reactivating private sector investment so the use of public sector compulsory purchase powers has a key role to play in this and must not be allowed to fall off the agenda for future regeneration."

The Northern Way is a partnership between three northern regional development agencies: Yorkshire Forward, Northwest Regional Development Agency and One North East.