If there are outstanding objections, Government will call a Public Inquiry to assess the merits of the Compulsory Purchase Order. In preparation for this, the Council and its’ partners will produce various professional Statements of Case and summary documents of the same. This is their evidence put forward to the Inquiry to make their case for why they should receive Compulsory Purchase powers. Similarly, Objectors are able to put their own Statement of Case forward.
Both ‘sides’ will have the opportunity to read out summaries of their evidence in a witness box under court rules. They can also be cross examined by the other side. Typically, Council’s will be represented by Queens Counsel.
It is important to be aware that evidence put forward can only be on limited grounds and that court rules apply. Also that statistically, nearly all Public Inquiries result in Council’s being granted Compulsory Purchase powers.
See our guide on Public Inquiries here.