Legalize / United Kingdom / Public General Act

Town and Country Planning Act 1990

Type Public General Act

Publication 1990-05-24

Last updated 2026-04-14

State In force

Department Statute Law Database

Source legislation.gov.uk

articles Not indexed

Reform history JSON API

(2) A person authorised to enter land in the exercise of a right of entry—

(a) shall, if so required, produce evidence of his authority and state the purpose of his entry before so entering;

(b) may take with him such other persons as may be necessary; and

(c) on leaving the land shall, if the owner or occupier is not then present, leave it as effectively secured against trespassers as he found it.

(3) Any person who wilfully obstructs a person acting in the exercise of a right of entry shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(4) If any damage is caused to land or chattels in the exercise of a right of entry, compensation may be recovered by any person suffering the damage from the authority who gave the written authority for the entry or, as the case may be, the Secretary of State.

(5) The provisions of section 118 shall apply in relation to compensation under subsection (4) as they apply in relation to compensation under Part IV.

Chapter II — Land Adversely Affecting Amenity of Neighbourhood

Power to require proper maintenance of land.

215

(1) If it appears to the local planning authority that the amenity of a part of their area, or of an adjoining area, is adversely affected by the condition of land in their area, they may serve on the owner and occupier of the land a notice under this section.

(2) The notice shall require such steps for remedying the condition of the land as may be specified in the notice to be taken within such period as may be so specified.

(3) Subject to the following provisions of this Chapter, the notice shall take effect at the end of such period as may be specified in the notice.

(4) That period shall not be less than 28 days after the service of the notice.

Penalty for non-compliance with s. 215 notice.

216

(1) The provisions of this section shall have effect where a notice has been served under section 215.

(2) If any owner or occupier of the land on whom the notice was served fails to take steps required by the notice within the period specified in it for compliance with it, he shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction—

(a) to a fine, if the land is England, or

(b) to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale, if the land is in Wales.

(3) Where proceedings have been brought under subsection (2) against a person as the owner of the land and he has, at some time before the end of the compliance period, ceased to be the owner of the land, if he—

(a) duly lays information to that effect, and

(b) gives the prosecution not less than three clear days’ notice of his intention,

he shall be entitled to have the person who then became the owner of the land brought before the court in the proceedings.

(4) Where proceedings have been brought under subsection (2) against a person as the occupier of the land and he has, at some time before the end of the compliance period, ceased to be the occupier of the land, if he—

(a) duly lays information to that effect, and

(b) gives the prosecution not less than three clear days’ notice of his intention,

he shall be entitled to have brought before the court in the proceedings the person who then became the occupier of the land or, if nobody then became the occupier, the person who is the owner at the date of the notice.

(5) Where in such proceedings—

(a) it has been proved that any steps required by the notice under section 215 have not been taken within the compliance period, and

(b) the original defendant proves that the failure to take those steps was attributable, in whole or in part, to the default of a person specified in a notice under subsection (3) or (4),

then—

(i) that person may be convicted of the offence; and

(ii) if the original defendant also proves that he took all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the notice, he shall be acquitted of the offence.

(6) If, after a person has been convicted under the previous provisions of this section, he does not as soon as practicable do everything in his power to secure compliance with the notice, he shall be guilty of a further offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the relevant amount for each day following his first conviction on which any of the requirements of the notice remain unfulfilled.

(6A) In subsection (6) “the relevant amount” means—

(a) if the land is in England, one-tenth of the greater of—

(i) £5000, or

(ii) level 4 on the standard scale;

(b) if the land is in Wales, one-tenth of level 3 on the standard scale.

(7) Any reference in this section to the compliance period, in relation to a notice, is a reference to the period specified in the notice for compliance with it or such extended period as the local planning authority who served the notice may allow for compliance.

Appeal against a section 215 notice.

217

(1) A person on whom a notice under section 215 is served, or any other person having an interest in the land to which the notice relates, may, at any time within the period specified in the notice as the period at the end of which it is to take effect, appeal against the notice on any of the following grounds—

(a) that the condition of the land to which the notice relates does not adversely affect the amenity of any part of the area of the local planning authority who served the notice, or of any adjoining area;

(b) that the condition of the land to which the notice relates is attributable to, and such as results in the ordinary course of events from, the carrying on of operations or a use of land which is not in contravention of Part III;

(c) that the requirements of the notice exceed what is necessary for preventing the condition of the land from adversely affecting the amenity of any part of the area of the local planning authority who served the notice, or of any adjoining area;

(d) that the period specified in the notice as the period within which any steps required by the notice are to be taken falls short of what should reasonably be allowed.

(2) Any appeal under this section shall be made—

(a) in the case of a notice relating to land in Wales, to the Welsh Ministers;

(b) in the case of a notice relating to land in England,

to a magistrates’ court . . .

(3) Where such an appeal is brought, the notice to which it relates shall be of no effect pending the final determination or withdrawal of the appeal.

(4) On such an appeal the Welsh Ministers or (as the case may be) the magistrates’ court may correct any informality, defect or error in the notice if satisfied that the informality, defect or error is not material.

(5) On the determination of such an appeal the Welsh Ministers or (as the case may be) the magistrates’ court shall give directions for giving effect to their determination, including, where appropriate, directions for quashing the notice or for varying the terms of the notice in favour of the appellant.

(6) Where any person has appealed ... under this section against a notice, neither that person nor any other shall be entitled, in any other proceedings instituted after the making of the appeal, to claim that the notice was not duly served on the person who appealed.

(7) The Welsh Ministers may by regulations make provision, in respect of appeals made to them under this section—

(a) as to steps to be taken in connection with bringing an appeal (including as to the form and content of any notice required to be given, and persons to whom copies of it are to be provided);

(b) about information to be provided to the Welsh Ministers in connection with an appeal;

(c) as to the procedure by which an appeal under this section is to be considered (including provision about circumstances in which the appellant or the local planning authority must be given the opportunity of appearing before and being heard by a person appointed by the Welsh Ministers for the purpose).

Further appeal to the Crown Court: England

218

Where an appeal has been brought to a magistrates' court under section 217, an appeal against the decision of the magistrates’ court on that appeal may be brought to the Crown Court by the appellant or by the local planning authority who served the notice in question under section 215.

Execution and cost of works required by s. 215 notice.

219

(1) If, within the period specified in a notice under section 215 in accordance with subsection (2) of that section, or within such extended period as the local planning authority who served the notice may allow, any steps required by the notice to be taken have not been taken, the local planning authority who served the notice may—

(a) enter the land and take those steps, and

(b) recover from the person who is then the owner of the land any expenses reasonably incurred by them in doing so.

(2) Where a notice has been served under section 215—

(a) any expenses incurred by the owner or occupier of any land for the purpose of complying with the notice, and

(b) any sums paid by the owner of any land under subsection (1) in respect of expenses incurred by the local planning authority in taking steps required by such a notice,

shall be deemed to be incurred or paid for the use and at the request of the person who caused or permitted the land to come to be in the condition in which it was when the notice was served.

(3) Regulations made under this Act may provide that—

(a) section 276 of the Public Health Act 1936 (power of local authorities to sell materials removed in executing works under that Act subject to accounting for the proceeds of sale);

(b) section 289 of that Act (power to require the occupier of any premises to permit works to be executed by the owner of the premises); or

(c) section 294 of that Act (limit on liability of persons holding premises as agents or trustees in respect of the expenses recoverable under that Act),

shall apply, subject to such adaptations and modifications as may be specified in the regulations, in relation to any steps required to be taken by a notice under section 215.

(4) Regulations under subsection (3) applying section 289 of the Public Health Act 1936 may include adaptations and modifications for the purpose of giving the owner of land to which a notice under section 215 relates the right, as against all other persons interested in the land, to comply with the requirements of the enforcement notice.

(5) Regulations under subsection (3) may also provide for the charging on the land of any expenses recoverable by a local authority under subsection (1).

(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter III — Advertisements

Advertisement regulations

Regulations controlling display of advertisements.

220

(1) Regulations under this Act shall make provision for restricting or regulating the display of advertisements so far as appears to the Secretary of State to be expedient in the interests of amenity or public safety.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), any such regulations may provide—

(a) for regulating the dimensions, appearance and position of advertisements which may be displayed, the sites on which advertisements may be displayed and the manner in which they are to be affixed to the land;

(b) for requiring the consent of the local planning authority to be obtained for the display of advertisements, or of advertisements of any class specified in the regulations;

(c) for applying, in relation to any such consent and to applications for such consent, any of the provisions mentioned in subsection (3), subject to such adaptations and modifications as may be specified in the regulations;

(d) for the constitution, for the purposes of the regulations, of such advisory committees as may be prescribed by the regulations, and for determining the manner in which the expenses of any such committee are to be defrayed.

(2A) The regulations may also make provision as to—

(a) the form and manner in which an application for consent must be made;

(b) particulars of such matters as are to be included in the application;

(3) The provisions referred to in subsection (2)(c) are—

(a) the provisions of Part III relating to planning permission and to applications for planning permission, except sections 56, 62 , 65 . . ., 69(3) and (4), 71, . . ., 91 to 96, 100 and 101 and Schedule 8;

(b) sections 137 to 141, 143 and 144 (except so far as they relate to purchase notices served in consequence of such orders as are mentioned in section 137(1)(b) or (c));

(4) Without prejudice to the generality of the powers conferred by this section, regulations made for the purposes of this section may provide that any appeal from the decision of the local planning authority, on an application for their consent under the regulations, shall be to an independent tribunal constituted in accordance with the regulations, instead of being an appeal to the Secretary of State.

(5) If any tribunal is so constituted, the Secretary of State may pay to the chairman and members of the tribunal such remuneration, whether by way of salaries or by way of fees, and such reasonable allowances in respect of expenses properly incurred in the performance of their duties, as he may with the consent of the Treasury determine.

Power to make different advertisement regulations for different areas.

221

(1) Regulations made for the purposes of section 220 may make different provision with respect to different areas, and in particular may make special provision—

(a) with respect to conservation areas;

(b) with respect to areas defined for the purposes of the regulations as experimental areas, and

(2) An area may be defined as an experimental area for a prescribed period for the purpose of assessing the effect on amenity or public safety of advertisements of a prescribed description.

(3) An area may be defined as an area of special control if it is—

(a) a rural area, or

(b) an area which appears to the Secretary of State to require special protection on grounds of amenity.

(4) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the regulations may prohibit the display in an area of special control of all advertisements except advertisements of such classes (if any) as may be prescribed.

(5) Areas of special control for the purposes of regulations under this section may be defined by means of orders made or approved by the Secretary of State in accordance with the provisions of the regulations.

(6) Where the Secretary of State is authorised by the regulations to make or approve any such order as is mentioned in subsection (5), the regulations shall provide—

(a) for the publication of notice of the proposed order in such manner as may be prescribed,

(b) for the consideration of objections duly made to it, and

before the order is made or approved.

(7) Subject to subsection (8), regulations made under section 220 may be made so as to apply—

(a) to advertisements which are being displayed on the date on which the regulations come into force, or

(b) to the use for the display of the advertisements of any site which was being used for that purpose on that date.

(8) Any regulations made in accordance with subsection (7) shall provide for exempting from them—

(a) the continued display of any such advertisements as there mentioned; and

(b) the continued use for the display of advertisements of any such site as there mentioned,

during such period as may be prescribed.

(9) Different periods may be prescribed under subsection (8) for the purposes of different provisions of the regulations.

Planning permission not needed for advertisements complying with regulations.

222

Where the display of advertisements in accordance with regulations made under section 220 involves development of land—

(a) planning permission for that development shall be deemed to be granted by virtue of this section, and

(b) no application shall be necessary for that development under Part III.

Repayment of expense of removing prohibited advertisements

Repayment of expense of removing prohibited advertisements.

223

(1) Where, for the purpose of complying with any regulations made under section 220, works are carried out by any person—

(a) for removing an advertisement which was being displayed on 1st August 1948; or

(b) for discontinuing the use for the display of advertisements of a site used for that purpose on that date,

that person shall, on a claim made to the local planning authority within such time and in such manner as may be prescribed, be entitled to recover from that authority compensation in respect of any expenses reasonably incurred by him in carrying out those works.

(2) Except in so far as may be otherwise provided by any regulations made under this Act, any question of disputed compensation under this section shall be referred to and determined by the Upper Tribunal.

(3) In relation to the determination of any such question, the provisions of section 4 of the Land Compensation Act 1961 shall apply subject to any necessary modifications and to the provisions of any regulations made under this Act.

Enforcement of control over advertisements

Enforcement of control as to advertisements.

224

(1) Regulations under section 220 may make provision for enabling the local planning authority to require—

(a) the removal of any advertisement which is displayed in contravention of the regulations, or

(b) the discontinuance of the use for the display of advertisements of any site which is being so used in contravention of the regulations.

(2) For that purpose the regulations may apply any of the provisions of Part VII with respect to enforcement notices or the provisions of section 186, subject to such adaptations and modifications as may be specified in the regulations.

(3) Without prejudice to any provisions included in such regulations by virtue of subsection (1) or (2), if any person displays an advertisement in contravention of the regulations he shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine of such amount as may be prescribed, not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale and, in the case of a continuing offence, one-tenth of level 4 on the standard scale for each day during which the offence continues after conviction.

(4) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (3), a person shall be deemed to display an advertisement for the purposes of that subsection if—

(a) he is the owner or occupier of the land on which the advertisement is displayed; or

(b) the advertisement gives publicity to his goods, trade, business or other concerns.

(5) A person shall not be guilty of an offence under subsection (3) by reason only—

(a) of his being the owner or occupier of the land on which an advertisement is displayed, or

(b) of his goods, trade, business or other concerns being given publicity by the advertisement,

if he proves either of the matters specified in subsection (6) .

(6) The matters are that—

(a) the advertisement was displayed without his knowledge; or

(b) he took all reasonable steps to prevent the display or, after the advertisement had been displayed, to secure its removal.

(7) Proceedings for an offence under subsection (3) may be brought within the period of 6 months beginning with the date on which evidence sufficient in the opinion of the prosecutor to justify the proceedings came to the prosecutor's knowledge.

(8) Subsection (7) does not authorise the commencement of proceedings for an offence more than 3 years after the date on which the offence was committed.

(9) For the purposes of subsection (7), a certificate—

(a) signed by or on behalf of the prosecutor, and

(b) stating the date on which evidence sufficient in the prosecutor's opinion to justify the proceedings came to the prosecutor's knowledge,

is conclusive evidence of that fact.

(10) A certificate stating that matter and purporting to be so signed is to be deemed to be so signed unless the contrary is proved.

(11) Subsection (7) does not apply in relation to an offence in respect of an advertisement in Wales.

Power to remove or obliterate placards and posters.

225

(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the local planning authority may remove or obliterate any placard or poster—

(a) which is displayed in their area; and

(b) which in their opinion is so displayed in contravention of regulations made under section 220.

(2) Subsection (1) does not authorise the removal or obliteration of a placard or poster displayed within a building to which there is no public right of access.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), where a placard or poster identifies the person who displayed it or caused it to be displayed, the local planning authority shall not exercise any power conferred by subsection (1) unless they have first given him notice in writing—

(a) that in their opinion it is displayed in contravention of regulations made under section 220; and

(b) that they intend to remove or obliterate it on the expiry of a period specified in the notice and recover from him the costs they may reasonably incur in doing so .

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply if—

(a) the placard or poster does not give his address, and

(b) the authority do not know it and are unable to ascertain it after reasonable inquiry.

(5) The period specified in a notice under subsection (3) must be not less than two days from the date of service of the notice.

(6) Where—

(a) a local planning authority serve a notice on a person under subsection (3) in relation to a placard or poster, and

(b) the person fails to remove or obliterate it within the period specified in the notice,

the authority may recover from that person the costs they may reasonably incur in exercising their power under subsection (1).

(7) This subsection applies in relation to a placard or poster where—

(a) the placard or poster does not identify the person who displayed it or caused it to be displayed, or

(b) it does do so, but subsection (3) does not apply by reason of subsection (4), and

the placard or poster publicises the goods, services or concerns of an identifiable person.

(8) Where subsection (7) applies, subsections (3) to (6) have effect as if the reference in subsection (3) to the person who displayed the placard or poster or caused it to be displayed were a reference to the person whose goods, services or concerns are publicised.

(9) Where any damage is caused to land or chattels in the exercise of the power under subsection (1) in relation to a placard or poster, compensation may be recovered by any person suffering the damage from the local planning authority exercising the power.

(10) Subsection (9) does not permit the recovery of compensation by the person who displayed the placard or poster or caused it to be displayed.

(11) The provisions of section 118 apply in relation to compensation under subsection (9) as they apply in relation to compensation under Part 4.

Power to remove structures used for unauthorised display

225A

(1) Subject to subsections (2), (3) and (5) and the right of appeal under section 225B, the local planning authority for an area in England may remove, and then dispose of, any display structure—

(a) which is in their area; and

(b) which, in the local planning authority's opinion, is used for the display of advertisements in contravention of regulations under section 220.

(2) Subsection (1) does not authorise the removal of a display structure in a building to which there is no public right of access.

(3) The local planning authority may not under subsection (1) remove a display structure unless the local planning authority have first served a removal notice on a person who appears to the local planning authority to be responsible for the erection or maintenance of the display structure.

(4) Subsection (3) applies only if there is a person—

(a) who appears to the local planning authority to be responsible for the erection or maintenance of the display structure; and

(b) whose name and address are either known by the local planning authority or could be ascertained by the local planning authority after reasonable enquiry.

(5) If subsection (3) does not apply, the local planning authority may not under subsection (1) remove a display structure unless the local planning authority have first—

(a) fixed a removal notice to the display structure or exhibited a removal notice in the vicinity of the display structure; and

(b) served a copy of that notice on the occupier of the land on which the display structure is situated.

(6) Subsection (5)(b) applies only if the local planning authority know who the occupier is or could identify the occupier after reasonable enquiry.

(7) Where—

(a) the local planning authority has served a removal notice in accordance with subsection (3) or (5)(b), and

(b) the display structure is not removed by the time specified in the removal notice,

the local planning authority may recover, from any person on whom the removal notice has been served under subsection (3) or (5)(b), expenses reasonably incurred by the local planning authority in exercising the local planning authority's power under subsection (1).

(8) Expenses are not recoverable under subsection (7) from a person if the person satisfies the local planning authority that the person was not responsible for the erection of the display structure and is not responsible for its maintenance.

(9) Where in the exercise of power under subsection (1) any damage is caused to land or chattels, compensation may be recovered by any person suffering the damage from the local planning authority exercising the power, but compensation is not recoverable under this subsection or section 325(6)—

(a) for damage caused to the display structure; or

(b) for damage reasonably caused in removing the display structure.

(10) The provisions of section 118 apply in relation to compensation under subsection (9) as they apply in relation to compensation under Part 4.

(11) In this section “removal notice”, in relation to a display structure, means notice—

(a) stating that in the local planning authority's opinion the display structure is used for the display of advertisements in contravention of regulations under section 220;

(b) stating that the local planning authority intend after a time specified in the notice to remove the display structure; and

(12) A time specified under subsection (11)(b) may not be earlier than the end of 22 days beginning with the date of the notice.

(13) In this section “display structure” means (subject to subsection (14))—

(a) a hoarding or similar structure used, or designed or adapted for use, for the display of advertisements;

(b) anything (other than a hoarding or similar structure) principally used, or designed or adapted principally for use, for the display of advertisements;

(d) fitments used to support anything within any of paragraphs (a) to (c).

(14) Something is a “display structure” for the purpose of this section only if—

(a) its use for the display of advertisement requires consent under this Chapter, and

(b) that consent has not been granted and is not deemed to have been granted.

(15) In subsection (13) “structure” includes movable structure.

Appeal against notice under section 225A

225B

(1) A person on whom a removal notice has been served in accordance with section 225A(3) or (5)(b) may appeal to a magistrates' court on any of the following grounds—

(a) that the display structure concerned is not used for the display of advertisements in contravention of regulations under section 220;

(b) that there has been some informality, defect or error in, or in connection with, the notice;

(c) that the period between the date of the notice and the time specified in the notice is not reasonably sufficient for the removal of the display structure;

(d) that the notice should have been served on another person.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (3), a person is a “permitted appellant” in relation to a removal notice if—

(a) the removal notice has been fixed or exhibited in accordance with section 225A(5)(a);

(b) the person is an owner or occupier of the land on which the display structure concerned is situated; and

(3) A person who is a permitted appellant in relation to a removal notice may appeal to a magistrates' court on any of the following grounds—

(a) that the display structure concerned is not used for the display of advertisements in contravention of regulations under section 220;

(b) that there has been some informality, defect or error in, or in connection with, the notice;

(c) that the period between the date of the notice and the time specified in the notice is not reasonably sufficient for the removal of the display structure.

(4) So far as an appeal under this section is based on the ground mentioned in subsection (1)(b) or (3)(b), the court must dismiss the appeal if it is satisfied that the informality, defect or error was not a material one.

(5) If an appeal under subsection (1) is based on the ground mentioned in subsection (1)(d), the appellant must serve a copy of the notice of appeal on each person who the appellant considers is a person on whom the removal notice should have been served in accordance with section 225A(3) or (5)(b).

(6) If—

(a) a removal notice is served on a person in accordance with section 225A(3) or (5)(b), and

(b) the local planning authority bring proceedings against the person for the recovery under section 225A(7) of any expenses,

it is not open to the person to raise in the proceedings any question which the person could have raised in an appeal under subsection (1).

(7) In this section “removal notice” and “display structure” have the same meaning as in section 225A.

Remedying persistent problems with unauthorised advertisements

225C

(1) Subsections (2) and (3) apply if the local planning authority for an area in England have reason to believe that there is a persistent problem with the display of unauthorised advertisements on a surface of—

(a) any building, wall, fence or other structure or erection; or

(b) any apparatus or plant.

(2) The local planning authority may serve an action notice on the owner or occupier of the land in or on which the surface is situated.

(3) If after reasonable enquiry the local planning authority—

(a) are unable to ascertain the name and address of the owner, and

(b) are unable to ascertain the name and address of the occupier,

the local planning authority may fix an action notice to the surface.

(4) For the purposes of this section “an action notice”, in relation to a surface, is a notice requiring the owner or occupier of the land in or on which the surface is situated to carry out the measures specified in the notice by a time specified in the notice.

(5) A time may be specified in an action notice if it is a reasonable time not earlier than the end of 28 days beginning with the date of the notice.

(6) Measures may be specified in an action notice if they are reasonable measures to prevent or reduce the frequency of the display of unauthorised advertisements on the surface concerned.

(7) The time by which an owner or occupier must comply with an action notice may be postponed by the local planning authority.

(8) This section has effect subject to—

(a) the other provisions of the enactments relating to town and country planning;

(b) the provisions of the enactments relating to historic buildings and ancient monuments; and

(9) Subsection (10) applies if—

(a) an action notice is served under subsection (2) or fixed under subsection (3); and

(b) the measures specified in the notice are not carried out by the time specified in the notice.

(10) The local planning authority may—

(a) carry out the measures; and

(b) recover expenses reasonably incurred by the local planning authority in doing that from the person required by the action notice to do it.

(11) Power under subsection (10)(a) is subject to the right of appeal under section 225D.

(12) Where in the exercise of power under subsection (10)(a) any damage is caused to land or chattels, compensation may be recovered by any person suffering the damage from the local planning authority exercising the power, but compensation is not recoverable under this subsection for damage reasonably caused in carrying out the measures.

(13) The provisions of section 118 apply in relation to compensation under subsection (12) as they apply in relation to compensation under Part 4.

(14) The local planning authority may not recover expenses under subsection (10)(b) in respect of a surface that—

(a) forms part of a flat or a dwellinghouse;

(b) is within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse; or

(15) Each of sections 275 and 291 of the Public Health Act 1936 (provision for authority to agree to take the required measures at expense of owner or occupier, and provision for expenses to be recoverable also from owner's successor or from occupier and to be charged on premises concerned) applies as if the reference in that section to that Act included a reference to this section.

(16) In this section—

“dwellinghouse” does not include a building containing one or more flats, or a flat contained within such a building;

“flat” means a separate and self-contained set of premises constructed or adapted for use as a dwelling and forming part of a building from some other part of which it is divided horizontally;

“unauthorised advertisement” means an advertisement in respect of which an offence—under section 224(3), orunder section 132 of the Highways Act 1980 (unauthorised marks on highway),is committed after the coming into force of this section.

Right to appeal against notice under section 225C

225D

(1) A person on whom notice has been served under section 225C(2) may appeal to a magistrates' court on any of the following grounds—

(a) that there is no problem with the display of unauthorised advertisements on the surface concerned or any such problem is not a persistent one;

(b) that there has been some informality, defect or error in, or in connection with, the notice;

(c) that the time within which the measures specified in the notice are to be carried out is not reasonably sufficient for the purpose;

(d) that the notice should have been served on another person.

(2) The occupier or owner of premises which include a surface to which a notice has been fixed under section 225C(3) may appeal to a magistrates' court on any of the following grounds—

(a) that there is no problem with the display of unauthorised advertisements on the surface concerned or any such problem is not a persistent one;

(b) that there has been some informality, defect or error in, or in connection with, the notice;

(c) that the time within which the measures specified in the notice are to be carried out is not reasonably sufficient for the purpose.

(3) So far as an appeal under this section is based on the ground mentioned in subsection (1)(b) or (2)(b), the court must dismiss the appeal if it is satisfied that the informality, defect or error was not a material one.

(4) If an appeal under subsection (1) is based on the ground mentioned in subsection (1)(d), the appellant must serve a copy of the notice of appeal on each person who the appellant considers is a person on whom the notice under section 225C(2) should have been served.

(5) If—

(a) notice under section 225C(2) is served on a person, and

(b) the local planning authority bring proceedings against the person for the recovery under section 225C(10)(b) of any expenses,

it is not open to the person to raise in the proceedings any question which the person could have raised in an appeal under subsection (1).

Applying section 225C to statutory undertakers' operational land

225E

(1) Subsection (2) and (3) apply where the local planning authority serves a notice under section 225C(2) requiring a statutory undertaker to carry out measures in respect of the display of unauthorised advertisements on a surface on its operational land.

(2) The statutory undertaker may, within 28 days beginning with the date of service of the notice, serve a counter-notice on the local planning authority specifying alternative measures which will in the statutory undertaker's reasonable opinion have the effect of preventing or reducing the frequency of the display of unauthorised advertisements on the surface to at least the same extent as the measures specified in the notice.

(3) Where a counter-notice is served under subsection (2), the notice under section 225C(2) is to be treated—

(a) as requiring the alternative measures specified in the counter-notice to be carried out (instead of the measures actually required by the notice under section 225C(2)); and

(b) as having been served on the date on which the counter-notice is served.

(4) The time by which a statutory undertaker must carry out the measures specified in a counter-notice served under subsection (2) may be postponed by the local planning authority.

CHAPTER 4 — Remedying defacement of premises

Power to remedy defacement of premises

225F

(1) Subsections (2) and (3) apply if—

(a) premises in England include a surface that is readily visible from a place to which the public have access;

(b) either—

(i) the surface does not form part of the operational land of a statutory undertaker, or

(ii) the surface forms part of the operational land of a statutory undertaker and subsection (11) applies to the surface;

(d) the local planning authority consider the sign to be detrimental to the amenity of the area or offensive.

(2) The local planning authority may serve on the occupier of the premises a notice requiring the occupier to remove or obliterate the sign by a time specified in the notice.

(3) If it appears to the local planning authority that there is no occupier of the premises, the local planning authority may fix to the surface a notice requiring the owner or occupier of the premises to remove or obliterate the sign by a time specified in the notice.

(4) A time specified under subsection (2) or (3) may not be earlier than the end of 15 days beginning the date of service or fixing of the notice.

(5) Subsection (6) applies if—

(a) a notice is served under subsection (2) or fixed under subsection (3); and

(b) the sign is neither removed nor obliterated by the time specified in the notice.

(6) The local planning authority may—

(a) remove or obliterate the sign; and

(b) recover expenses reasonably incurred by the local planning authority in doing that from the person required by the notice to do it.

(7) Power under subsection (6)(a) is subject to the right of appeal under section 225I.

(8) Expenses may not be recovered under subsection (6)(b) if the surface—

(a) forms part of a flat or a dwellinghouse;

(b) is within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse; or

(9) Section 291 of the Public Health Act 1936 (provision for expenses to be recoverable also from owner's successor or from occupier and to be charged on premises concerned) applies as if the reference in that section to that Act included a reference to this section.

(10) For the purposes of this section, a universal postal service provider is treated as being the occupier of any plant or apparatus that consists of a universal postal service letter box or a universal postal service pouch-box belonging to it.

(11) This subsection applies to a surface if the surface abuts on, or is one to which access is given directly from, either—

(a) a street; or

(b) any place, other than a street, to which the public have access as of right.

(12) In this section—

“dwellinghouse” does not include a building containing one or more flats, or a flat contained within such a building;

“flat” means a separate and self-contained set of premises constructed or adapted for use as a dwelling and forming part of a building from some other part of which it is divided horizontally;

“premises” means building, wall, fence or other structure or erection, or apparatus or plant;

“sign”—includes any writing, letter, picture, device or representation, butdoes not include an advertisement;

“statutory undertaker” does not include a relevant airport operator (within the meaning of Part 5 of the Airports Act 1986);

“street” includes any highway, any bridge carrying a highway and any road, lane, mews, footway, square, court, alley or passage, whether a thoroughfare or not;

“universal postal service letter box” has the meaning given in section 86(4) of the Postal Services Act 2000;

“universal postal service pouch-box” has the meaning given in paragraph 1(10) of Schedule 6 to that Act.

Notices under section 225F in respect of post boxes

225G

(1) The local planning authority may serve a notice under section 225F(2) on a universal postal service provider in respect of a universal postal service letter box, or universal postal service pouch-box, belonging to the provider only if—

(a) the authority has served on the provider written notice of the authority's intention to do so; and

(b) the period of 28 days beginning with the date of service of that notice has ended.

(2) In this section—

“universal postal service letter box” has the meaning given in section 86(4) of the Postal Services Act 2000;

“universal postal service pouch-box” has the meaning given in paragraph 1(10) of Schedule 6 to that Act.

Section 225F powers as respects bus shelters and other street furniture

225H

(1) The local planning authority may exercise the power conferred by section 225F(6)(a) to remove or obliterate a sign from any surface on a bus shelter, or other street furniture, of a statutory undertaker that is not situated on operational land of the statutory undertaker only if—

(a) the authority has served on the statutory undertaker notice of the authority's intention to do so;

(b) the notice specified the bus shelter, or other street furniture, concerned; and

(2) In this section “statutory undertaker” does not include an airport operator (within the meaning of Part 5 of the Airports Act 1986).

Right to appeal against notice under section 225F

225I

(1) A person on whom notice has been served under section 225F(2) may appeal to a magistrates' court on any of the following grounds—

(a) that the sign concerned is neither detrimental to the amenity of the area nor offensive;

(b) that there has been some informality, defect or error in, or in connection with, the notice;

(c) that the time within which the sign concerned is to be removed or obliterated is not reasonably sufficient for the purpose;

(d) that the notice should have been served on another person.

(2) The occupier or owner of premises which include a surface to which a notice has been fixed under section 225F(3) may appeal to a magistrates' court on any of the following grounds—

(a) that the sign concerned is neither detrimental to the amenity of the area nor offensive;

(b) that there has been some informality, defect or error in, or in connection with, the notice;

(c) that the time within which the sign concerned is to be removed or obliterated is not reasonably sufficient for the purpose.

(3) So far as an appeal under this section is based on the ground mentioned in subsection (1)(b) or (2)(b), the court must dismiss the appeal if it is satisfied that the informality, defect or error was not a material one.

(4) If an appeal under subsection (1) is based on the ground mentioned in subsection (1)(d), the appellant must serve a copy of the notice of appeal on each person who the appellant considers is a person on whom the notice under section 225F(2) should have been served.

(5) If—

(a) notice under section 225F(2) is served on a person, and

(b) the local planning authority bring proceedings against the person for the recovery under section 225F(6)(b) of any expenses,

it is not open to the person to raise in the proceedings any question which the person could have raised in an appeal under subsection (1).

Remedying defacement at owner or occupier's request

225J

(1) Subsection (2) applies if—

(a) premises in England include a surface that is readily visible from a place to which the public have access;

(b) there is a sign on the surface; and

(2) The local planning authority may—

(a) remove or obliterate the sign; and

(b) recover expenses reasonably incurred by the local planning authority in doing that from the person who asked the local planning authority to do it.

(3) In this section “premises” means building, wall, fence or other structure or erection, or apparatus or plant.

(4) In this section “sign”—

(a) includes—

(i) any writing, letter, picture, device or representation, and

(ii) any advertisement, but

(b) does not include an advertisement for the display of which deemed or express consent has been granted under Chapter 3.

CHAPTER 5 — Application of provisions of Chapters 3 and 4 to statutory undertakers

Action under sections 225A, 225C and 225F: operational land

225K

(1) This section applies in relation to the exercise by the local planning authority of—

(a) power conferred by section 225A(1), or section 324(3) so far as applying for the purposes of section 225A(1), to—

(i) enter on any operational land of a statutory undertaker, or

(ii) remove a display structure situated on operational land of a statutory undertaker;

(b) power conferred by section 225C(10)(a), or section 324(3) so far as applying for the purposes of section 225C(10)(a), to—

(i) enter on any operational land of a statutory undertaker, or

(ii) carry out any measures to prevent or reduce the frequency of the display of unauthorised advertisements on a surface on operational land of a statutory undertaker; or

(c) power conferred by section 225F(6)(a), or section 324(3) so far as applying for the purposes of section 225F(6)(a), to—

(i) enter on any operational land of a statutory undertaker, or

(ii) remove or obliterate a sign on a surface of premises that are, or are on, operational land of a statutory undertaker.

(2) The authority may exercise the power only if—

(a) the authority has served on the statutory undertaker notice of the authority's intention to do so;

(b) the notice specified the display structure, surface or sign concerned and its location; and

(3) If—

(a) a notice under subsection (2) is served on a statutory undertaker, and

(b) within 28 days beginning with the date the notice is served, the statutory undertaker serves a counter-notice on the local planning authority specifying conditions subject to which the power is to be exercised,

the power may only be exercised subject to, and in accordance with, the conditions specified in the counter-notice.

(4) The conditions which may be specified in a counter-notice under subsection (3) are conditions which are—

(a) necessary or expedient in the interests of safety or the efficient and economic operation of the undertaking concerned; or

(b) for the protection of any works, apparatus or other property not vested in the statutory undertaker which are lawfully present on, in, under or over the land upon which entry is proposed to be made.

(5) If—

(a) a notice under subsection (2) is served on a statutory undertaker, and

(b) within 28 days beginning with the date the notice is served, the statutory undertaker serves a counter-notice on the local planning authority requiring the local planning authority to refrain from exercising the power,

the power may not be exercised.

(6) A counter-notice under subsection (5) may be served only if the statutory undertaker has reasonable grounds to believe, for reasons connected with the operation of its undertaking, that the power cannot be exercised under the circumstances in question—

(a) without risk to the safety of any person; or

(b) without unreasonable risk to the efficient and economic operation of the statutory undertaker's undertaking.

(7) In this section “statutory undertaker” does not include an airport operator (within the meaning of Part 5 of the Airports Act 1986).

Part IX — Acquisition and Appropriation of Land for Planning Purposes, etc.

Acquisition for planning and public purposes

Compulsory acquisition of land for development and other planning purposes.

226

(1) A local authority to whom this section applies shall, on being authorised to do so by the Secretary of State, have power to acquire compulsorily any land in their area ... —

(a) if the authority think that the acquisition will facilitate the carrying out of development, re-development or improvement on or in relation to the land,

(b) which is required for a purpose which it is necessary to achieve in the interests of the proper planning of an area in which the land is situated.

(1A) But a local authority must not exercise the power under paragraph (a) of subsection (1) unless they think that the development, re-development or improvement is likely to contribute to the achievement of any one or more of the following objects—

(a) the promotion or improvement of the economic well-being of their area;

(b) the promotion or improvement of the social well-being of their area;

(1B) In the application of subsections (1) and (1A) in England, “improvement” includes regeneration.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2A) The Secretary of State must not authorise the acquisition of any interest in Crown land unless—

(a) it is an interest which is for the time being held otherwise than by or on behalf of the Crown, and

(b) the appropriate authority consents to the acquisition.

(3) Where a local authority exercise their power under subsection (1) in relation to any land, they shall, on being authorised to do so by the Secretary of State, have power to acquire compulsorily—

(a) any land adjoining that land which is required for the purpose of executing works for facilitating its development or use; or

(b) where that land forms part of a common or open space or fuel or field garden allotment, any land which is required for the purpose of being given in exchange for the land which is being acquired.

(4) It is immaterial by whom the local authority propose that any activity or purpose mentioned in subsection (1) or (3)(a) should be undertaken or achieved (and in particular the local authority need not propose to undertake an activity or to achieve that purpose themselves).

(5) Where under subsection (1) the Secretary of State has power to authorise a local authority to whom this section applies to acquire any land compulsorily he may, after the requisite consultation, authorise the land to be so acquired by another authority, being a local authority within the meaning of this Act.

(6) Before giving an authorisation under subsection (5), the Secretary of State shall—

(a) if the land is in a non-metropolitan county in England, consult with the councils of the county and the district;

(b) if the land is in a metropolitan district, consult with the council of the district;

(bb) if the land is in Wales, consult with the council of the county or county borough; and

(7) The Acquisition of Land Act 1981 shall apply to the compulsory acquisition of land under this section.

(8) The local authorities to whom this section applies are the councils of counties, county boroughs, districts and London boroughs.

(9) Crown land must be construed in accordance with Part 13.

Acquisition of land by agreement.

227

(1) The council of any county, county borough, district or London borough may acquire by agreement any land which they require for any purpose for which a local authority may be authorised to acquire land under section 226.

(2) The provisions of Part 1 of the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 (so far as applicable), other than sections 4 to 8, section 10 and section 31, shall apply in relation to the acquisition of land under this section.

Compulsory acquisition of land by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government .

228

(1) The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government may acquire compulsorily—

(a) any land necessary for the public service; and

(b) any land which it is proposed to use not only for the public service but also—

(i) to meet the interests of proper planning of the area, or

(ii) to secure the best or most economic development or use of the land,

otherwise than for the public service.

(1A) But subsection (1) does not permit the acquisition of any interest in Crown land unless—

(a) it is an interest which is for the time being held otherwise than by or on behalf of the Crown, and

(b) the appropriate authority consents to the acquisition.

(2) Where the Secretary of State has acquired or proposes to acquire any land under subsection (1) (“the primary land”) and in his opinion other land ought to be acquired together with the primary land—

(a) in the interests of the proper planning of the area concerned; or

(b) for the purpose of ensuring that the primary land can be used, or developed and used, (together with that other land) in what appears to him to be the best or most economic way; or

(c) where the primary land or any land acquired, or which he proposes to acquire, by virtue of paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection or of section 122(1)(a) or (b) of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980, forms part of a common, open space or fuel or field garden allotment, for the purpose of being given in exchange for that land,

he may compulsorily acquire that other land.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), the power of acquiring land compulsorily under this section shall include power to acquire an easement or other right over land by the grant of a new right.

(4) Subsection (3) shall not apply to an easement or other right over any land which would for the purposes of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 form part of a common, open space or fuel or field garden allotment.

(5) References in this section to the public service include the service in the United Kingdom—

(a) of any international organisation or institution whether or not the United Kingdom or Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom is or is to become a member;

(b) of any office or agency established by such an organisation or institution or for its purposes, or established in pursuance of a treaty (whether or not the United Kingdom is or is to become a party to the treaty);

(6) For the purposes of subsection (5)(b) “treaty” includes any international agreement and any protocol or annex to a treaty or international agreement.

(7) The Acquisition of Land Act 1981 shall apply to any compulsory acquisition by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government under this section.

(8) Crown land must be construed in accordance with Part 13.

Appropriation of land forming part of common, etc.

229

(1) Any local authority may be authorised, by an order made by that authority and confirmed by the Secretary of State, to appropriate for any purpose for which that authority can be authorised to acquire land under any enactment any land to which this subsection applies which is for the time being held by them for other purposes.

(2) Subsection (1) applies to land which is or forms part of a common or fuel or field garden allotment (including any such land which is specially regulated by any enactment, whether public general or local or private), other than land which is Green Belt land within the meaning of the Green Belt (London and Home Counties) Act 1938.

(3) Section 19 of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 (special provision with respect to compulsory purchase orders under that Act relating to land forming part of a common, open space or fuel or field garden allotment) shall apply to an order under this section authorising the appropriation of land as it applies to a compulsory purchase order under that Act.

(4) Where land appropriated under this section was acquired under an enactment incorporating the Lands Clauses Acts, any works executed on the land after the appropriation has been effected shall, for the purposes of section 68 of the Lands Clauses Consolidation Act 1845 and section 10 of the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965, be deemed to have been authorised by the enactment under which the land was acquired.

(5) On an appropriation of land by a local authority under this section, where—

(a) the authority is not an authority to whom Part II of the 1959 Act applies;

(b) the land was immediately before the appropriation held by the authority for the purposes of a grant-aided function (within the meaning of that Act); or

such adjustments shall be made in the accounts of the local authority as the Secretary of State may direct.

(6) On an appropriation under this section which does not fall within subsection (5), such adjustment of accounts shall be made as is required by section 24(1) of the 1959 Act.

Acquisition of land for purposes of exchange.

230

(1) Without prejudice to the generality of the powers conferred by sections 226 and 227, any power of a local authority to acquire land under those sections, whether compulsorily or by agreement, shall include power to acquire land required for giving in exchange—

(a) for land appropriated under section 229; or

(b) for Green Belt land appropriated in accordance with the Green Belt (London and Home Counties) Act 1938 for any purpose specified in a development plan.

(2) In subsection (1) “Green Belt land” has the same meaning as in that Act.

Power of Secretary of State to require acquisition or development of land.

231

(1) If the Secretary of State is satisfied after holding a local inquiry that the council of a county, county borough, district or London borough have failed to take steps for the acquisition of any land which in his opinion ought to be acquired by them under section 226 . . ., he may by order require the council to take such steps as may be specified in the order for acquiring the land.

(2) If the Secretary of State is satisfied after holding a local inquiry that a local authority have failed to carry out, on land acquired by them under section 226 (or section 68 of the 1962 Act or section 112 of the 1971 Act) or appropriated by them under section 229 (or section 121 of the 1971 Act), any development which in his opinion ought to be carried out, he may by order require the authority to take such steps as may be specified in the order for carrying out the development.

(3) An order under this section shall be enforceable on the application of the Secretary of State by mandamus.

Appropriation, disposal and development of land held for planning purposes, etc.

Appropriation of land held for planning purposes.

232

(1) Where any land has been acquired or appropriated by a local authority for planning purposes and is for the time being held by them for the purposes for which it was so acquired or appropriated, the authority may appropriate the land for any purpose for which they are or may be authorised in any capacity to acquire land by virtue of or under any enactment not contained in this Part or in Chapter V of Part I of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 or Chapter 5 of Part 3 of the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023.

(2) Land which consists or forms part of a common, or formerly consisted or formed part of a common, and is held or managed by a local authority in accordance with a local Act shall not be appropriated under this section without the consent of the Secretary of State.

(3) Such consent may be given—

(a) either in respect of a particular appropriation or in respect of appropriations of any class, and

(b) either subject to or free from any conditions or limitations.

(4) Before appropriating under this section any land which consists of or forms part of an open space, a local authority—

(a) shall publish a notice of their intention to do so for at least two consecutive weeks in a newspaper circulating in their area; and

(b) shall consider any objections to the proposed appropriation which may be made to them.

(5) In relation to any appropriation under this section—

(a) subsection (4) of section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 (which relates to the operation of section 68 of the Lands Clauses Consolidation Act 1845 and section 10 of the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965) shall have effect as it has effect in relation to appropriations under section 122 of that Act of 1972; and

(b) subsections (5) and (6) of section 229 of this Act shall have effect as they have effect in relation to appropriations under that section.

(6) In relation to any such land as is mentioned in subsection (1), this section shall have effect to the exclusion of the provisions of section 122(1) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Disposal by local authorities of land held for planning purposes.

233

(1) Where any land has been acquired or appropriated by a local authority for planning purposes and is for the time being held by them for the purposes for which it was so acquired or appropriated, the authority may dispose of the land to such person, in such manner and subject to such conditions as appear to them to be expedient in order—

(a) to secure the best use of that or other land and any buildings or works which have been, or are to be, erected, constructed or carried out on it (whether by themselves or by any other person), or

(b) to secure the erection, construction or carrying out on it of any buildings or works appearing to them to be needed for the proper planning of the area of the authority.

(2) Land which consists of or forms part of a common, or formerly consisted or formed part of a common, and is held or managed by a local authority in accordance with a local Act shall not be disposed of under this section without the consent of the Secretary of State.

(3) The consent of the Secretary of State is also required where the disposal is to be for a consideration less than the best that can reasonably be obtained and is not—

(a) the grant of a term of seven years or less; or

(b) the assignment of a term of years of which seven years or less are unexpired at the date of the assignment.

(3A) The Secretary of State may give consent under subsection (3)—

(a) in relation to any particular disposal or disposals, or in relation to a particular class of disposals,

(b) in relation to local authorities generally, or local authorities of a particular class, or to any particular local authority or authorities, and

(c) either unconditionally or subject to conditions (either generally, or in relation to any particular disposal or disposals or class of disposals).

(4) Before disposing under this section of any land which consists of or forms part of an open space, a local authority—

(a) shall publish a notice of their intention to do so for at least two consecutive weeks in a newspaper circulating in their area; and

(b) shall consider any objections to the proposed disposal which may be made to them.

(5) In relation to land acquired or appropriated for planning purposes for a reason mentioned in section 226(1)(a) or (3) the powers conferred by this section on a local authority, and on the Secretary of State in respect of the giving of consent to disposals under this section, shall be so exercised as to secure to relevant occupiers, so far as may be practicable, a suitable opportunity for accommodation.

(6) A person is a relevant occupier for the purposes of subsection (5) if—

(a) he was living or carrying on business or other activities on any such land as is mentioned in that subsection which the authority have acquired as mentioned in subsection (1),

(b) he desires to obtain accommodation on such land, and

and in this subsection “development” includes redevelopment.

(7) In subsection (5) a suitable opportunity for accommodation means, in relation to any person, an opportunity to obtain accommodation on the land in question which is suitable to his reasonable requirements on terms settled with due regard to the price at which any such land has been acquired from him.

(8) In relation to any such land as is mentioned in subsection (1), this section shall have effect to the exclusion of section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 (disposal of land by principal councils).

(9) Section 128(2) of the Local Government Act 1972 (which already gives protection to purchasers etc in respect of certain land transactions, including disposals under this section by certain authorities) applies in relation to every disposal of land under this section by a local authority for an area in England; and section 29 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1959 does not apply in relation to such a disposal.

Disposal by Secretary of State of land acquired under s. 228.

234

(1) The Secretary of State may dispose of land held by him and acquired by him or any other Minister under section 228 to such person, in such manner and subject to such conditions as appear to him expedient.

(2) In particular, the Secretary of State may under subsection (1) dispose of land held by him for any purpose in order to secure its use for that purpose.

Development of land held for planning purposes.

235

(1) A local authority may—

(a) erect, construct or carry out on any land to which this section applies any building or work other than a building or work for the erection, construction or carrying out of which, whether by that local authority or by any other person, statutory power exists by virtue of, or could be conferred under, an alternative enactment; and

(b) repair, maintain and insure any buildings or works on such land and generally deal with such land in a proper course of management.

(2) This section applies to any land which—

(a) has been acquired or appropriated by a local authority for planning purposes, and

(b) is for the time being held by the authority for the purposes for which it was so acquired or appropriated.

(3) A local authority may exercise the powers conferred by subsection (1) notwithstanding any limitation imposed by law on their capacity by virtue of their constitution.

(4) A local authority may enter into arrangements with an authorised association for the carrying out by the association of any operation which, apart from the arrangements, the local authority would have power under this section to carry out, on such terms (including terms as to the making of payments or loans by the authority to the association) as may be specified in the arrangements.

(5) Nothing in this section shall be construed—

(a) as authorising any act or omission on the part of a local authority which is actionable at the suit of any person on any grounds other than such a limitation as is mentioned in subsection (3); or

(b) as authorising an authorised association to carry out any operation which they would not have power to carry out apart from subsection (4).

(6) In this section—

“alternative enactment” means any enactment which is not contained in this Part, in section 2, 5 or 6 of the Local Authorities (Land) Act 1963, in section 14(1) or (4) or 17(3) of the Industrial Development Act 1982 or in Chapter V of Part I of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 or Chapter 5 of Part 3 of the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023; and

“authorised association” means any society, company or body of persons—

(a) whose objects include the promotion, formation or management of garden cities, garden suburbs or garden villages and the erection, improvement or management of buildings for the working classes and others, and

(b) which does not trade for profit or whose constitution forbids the issue of any share or loan capital with interest or dividend exceeding the rate for the time being fixed by the Treasury.

Extinguishment of certain rights affecting acquired or appropriated land

Extinguishment of rights over land compulsorily acquired.

236

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, upon the completion of a compulsory acquisition of land under section 226, 228 or 230—

(a) all private rights of way and rights of laying down, erecting, continuing or maintaining any apparatus on, under or over the land shall be extinguished, and

(b) any such apparatus shall vest in the acquiring authority.

(2) Subsection (1) shall not apply—

(a) to any right vested in, or apparatus belonging to, statutory undertakers for the purpose of the carrying on of their undertaking, or

(b) to any right conferred by or in accordance with the electronic communications code on the operator of an electronic communications code network , or

(3) In respect of any right or apparatus not falling within subsection (2), subsection (1) shall have effect subject—

(a) to any direction given by the acquiring authority before the completion of the acquisition that subsection (1) shall not apply to any right or apparatus specified in the direction; and

(b) to any agreement which may be made (whether before or after the completion of the acquisition) between the acquiring authority and the person in or to whom the right or apparatus in question is vested or belongs.

(4) Any person who suffers loss by the extinguishment of a right or the vesting of any apparatus under this section shall be entitled to compensation from the acquiring authority.

(5) Any compensation payable under this section shall be determined in accordance with the Land Compensation Act 1961.

Power to override easements and other rights.

237

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Use and development of consecrated land.

238

(1) Notwithstanding any obligation or restriction imposed under ecclesiastical law or otherwise in respect of consecrated land, any such land, which has been the subject of a relevant acquisition or appropriation, may subject to the following provisions of this section—

(a) if it has been acquired by a Minister, be used in any manner by him or on his behalf for any purpose for which he acquired the land; and

(b) in any other case, be used by any person in any manner in accordance with planning permission.

(2) Subsection (1) applies whether or not the land includes a building but it does not apply to land which consists of or forms part of a burial ground.

(3) Any use of consecrated land authorised by subsection (1) shall be subject—

(a) to compliance with the prescribed requirements with respect—

(i) to the removal and reinterment of any human remains, and

(ii) to the disposal of monuments and fixtures and furnishings; and

(b) to such provisions as may be prescribed for prohibiting or restricting the use of the land, either absolutely or until the prescribed consent has been obtained, so long as any church or other building used or formerly used for religious worship, or any part of it, remains on the land.

(4) Any use of land other than consecrated land which—

(a) has been the subject of a relevant acquisition or appropriation, and

(b) at the time of acquisition or appropriation included a church or other building used or formerly used for religious worship or the site of such a church or building,

shall be subject to compliance with such requirements as are mentioned in subsection (3)(a).

(5) Any regulations made for the purposes of subsection (3) or (4)—

(a) shall contain such provisions as appear to the Secretary of State to be requisite for securing that any use of land which is subject to compliance with the regulations shall, as nearly as may be, be subject to the same control as is imposed by law in the case of a similar use authorised by an enactment not contained in this Act or by a Measure, or as it would be proper to impose on a disposal of the land in question otherwise than in pursuance of an enactment or Measure;

(b) shall contain such requirements relating to the disposal of any such land as is mentioned in subsection (3) or (4) as appear to the Secretary of State requisite for securing that the provisions of those subsections are complied with in relation to the use of the land; and

(6) Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorising any act or omission on the part of any person which is actionable at the suit of any person on any grounds other than contravention of any such obligation, restriction or enactment as is mentioned in subsection (1).

Use and development of burial grounds.

239

(1) Notwithstanding anything in any enactment relating to burial grounds or any obligation or restriction imposed under ecclesiastical law or otherwise in respect of them, any land consisting of a burial ground or part of a burial ground, which has been the subject of a relevant acquisition or appropriation, may—

(a) if it has been acquired by a Minister, be used in any manner by him or on his behalf for any purpose for which he acquired the land; and

(b) in any other case, be used by any person in any manner in accordance with planning permission.

(2) This section does not apply to land which has been used for the burial of the dead until the prescribed requirements with respect to the removal and reinterment of human remains, and the disposal of monuments, in or upon the land have been complied with.

(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorising any act or omission on the part of any person which is actionable at the suit of any person on any grounds other than contravention of any such enactment, obligation or restriction as is mentioned in subsection (1).

Provisions supplemental to ss. 238 and 239.

240

(1) Provision shall be made by any regulations made for the purposes of sections 238(3) and (4) and 239(2)—

(a) for requiring the persons in whom the land is vested to publish notice of their intention to carry out the removal and reinterment of any human remains or the disposal of any monuments;

(b) for enabling the personal representatives or relatives of any deceased person themselves to undertake—

(i) the removal and reinterment of the remains of the deceased, and

(ii) the disposal of any monument commemorating the deceased,

and for requiring the persons in whom the land is vested to defray the expenses of such removal, reinterment and disposal (not exceeding such amount as may be prescribed);

(i) with such reasonable conditions (if any) as may be imposed in the case of consecrated land, by the bishop of the diocese, with respect to the manner of removal and the place and manner of reinterment of any human remains and the disposal of any monuments, and

(ii) with any directions given in any case by the Secretary of State with respect to the removal and reinterment of any human remains.

(2) Subject to the provisions of any such regulations, no faculty is required—

(a) for the removal and reinterment in accordance with the regulations of any human remains, or

(b) for the removal or disposal of any monuments,

and section 25 of the Burial Act 1857 (prohibition of removal of human remains without the licence of the Secretary of State except in certain cases) does not apply to a removal carried out in accordance with the regulations.

(3) In sections 238 and 239 and this section—

“burial ground” includes any churchyard, cemetery or other ground, whether consecrated or not, which has at any time been set apart for the purposes of interment,

“monument” includes a tombstone or other memorial, and

“relevant acquisition or appropriation” means an acquisition made by a Minister, a local authority or statutory undertakers under this Part or Chapter V of Part I of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 or Chapter 5 of Part 3 of the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023 or compulsorily under any other enactment, or an appropriation by a local authority for planning purposes.

Use and development of open spaces.

241

(1) Notwithstanding anything in any enactment relating to land which is or forms part of a common, open space or fuel or field garden allotment or in any enactment by which the land is specially regulated, such land which has been acquired by a Minister, a local authority or statutory undertakers under this Part or under Chapter V of Part I of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 or Chapter 5 of Part 3 of the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023 or compulsorily under any other enactment, or which has been appropriated by a local authority for planning purposes—

(a) if it has been acquired by a Minister, may be used in any manner by him or on his behalf for any purpose for which he acquired the land; and

(b) in any other case, may be used by any person in any manner in accordance with planning permission.

(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorising any act or omission on the part of any person which is actionable at the suit of any person on any grounds other than contravention of any such enactment as is mentioned in subsection (1).

Overriding of rights of possession.

242

If the Secretary of State certifies that possession of a house which—

(a) has been acquired or appropriated by a local authority for planning purposes, and

(b) is for the time being held by the authority for the purposes for which it was acquired or appropriated,

is immediately required for those purposes, nothing in the Rent Act 1977 or Part I of the Housing Act 1988 shall prevent the acquiring or appropriating authority from obtaining possession of the house.

Constitution of joint body to hold land for planning purposes

Constitution of joint body to hold land for planning purposes.

243

(1) If it appears to the Secretary of State, after consultation with the local authorities concerned, to be expedient that any land acquired by a local authority for planning purposes should be held by a joint body, consisting of representatives of that authority and of any other local authority, he may by order provide for the establishment of such a joint body and for the transfer to that body of the land so acquired.

(2) Any order under this section providing for the establishment of a joint body may make such provision as the Secretary of State considers expedient with respect to the constitution and functions of that body.

(3) The provisions which may be included under subsection (2) include provisions—

(a) for incorporating the joint body;

(b) for conferring on them, in relation to land transferred to them as mentioned in subsection (1), any of the powers conferred on local authorities by this Part or Chapter V of Part I of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 or Chapter 5 of Part 3 of the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023 in relation to land acquired and held by such authorities for the purposes of this Part or that Chapter;

(4) Regulations under this Act may make such provision consequential upon or supplementary to the provisions of this section as appears to the Secretary of State to be necessary or expedient.

General and supplementary provisions

Powers of joint planning boards under Part IX.

244

(1) A joint planning board . . . shall, on being authorised to do so by the Secretary of State, have the same power to acquire land compulsorily as the local authorities to whom section 226 applies have under that section.

(2) Such a board shall have the same power to acquire land by agreement as the local authorities mentioned in subsection (1) of section 227 have under that subsection.

(3) Sections 226(1) and (7), 227, 229, 230, 232, 233 and 235 to 242 apply with the necessary modifications as if any such board were a local authority to which those sections applied.

(4) On being authorised to do so by the Secretary of State such a board shall have, for any purpose for which by virtue of this section they may acquire land compulsorily, the power which section 13 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 confers on the local authorities to whom subsection (1) of that section applies to purchase compulsorily rights over land not in existence when their compulsory purchase is authorised, and subsections (2) to (5) of that section shall accordingly apply to the purchase of rights under this subsection as they apply to the purchase of rights under subsection (1) of that section.

Powers of National Park authorities under Part IX.

244A

(1) A National Park authority shall, on being authorised to do so by the Secretary of State, have the same power to acquire land compulsorily as the local authorities to whom section 226 applies have under that section.

(2) A National Park authority shall have the same power to acquire land by agreement as the local authorities mentioned in subsection (1) of section 227 have under that subsection.

(3) Sections 226(1) and (7), 227, 229, 230, 232, 233 and 235 to 242 shall apply with the necessary modifications as if a National Park authority were a local authority to which those sections applied and as if the Park in relation to which it carries out functions were the authority’s area.

Modification of incorporated enactments for purposes of this Part.

245

(1) Where—

(a) it is proposed that land should be acquired compulsorily under section 226 or 228, and

(b) a compulsory purchase order relating to that land is submitted to the confirming authority in accordance with Part II of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 or, as the case may be, is made in draft by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in accordance with Schedule 1 to that Act,

the confirming authority or, as the case may be, that Secretary of State may disregard for the purposes of that Part or, as the case may be, that Schedule any objection to the order or draft which, in the opinion of that authority or Secretary of State, amounts in substance to an objection to the provisions of the development plan defining the proposed use of that or any other land.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) In construing the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 in relation to any of the provisions of this Part—

(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) in relation to the erection, construction or carrying out of any buildings or works so authorised, references in section 10 of that Act to the acquiring authority shall be construed as references to the person by whom the buildings or works in question are erected, constructed or carried out; and

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