BACKGROUND
Wirral Borough Council, working closely with a development partner, applied for compulsory purchase powers to enable it to assemble a site for a new supermarket and multi-storey car park development.
Mason Owen acted on behalf of four occupiers of shops affected by the proposals. Three clients occupied shops which were subject to compulsory purchase. The fourth occupied a unit which would be adversely affected by the new development.
OUTCOME
Mason Owen prepared and submitted written objections against the application for compulsory purchase powers, and submitted further written objections to the Public Inquiry into the scheme. Unfortunately, the scheme was confirmed. Mason Owen negotiated on behalf of the three occupiers whose properties were being acquired.
Two agreed to relocate to alternative premises in the town, one of which was sourced and acquired by Mason Owen’s agency team. The third chose not to relocate.
Compensation packages totalling more than £250k were secured on behalf of two clients. In the case of the third occupier an interim payment of over £100k was secured, with negotiations continuing to finalise claims for disturbance and loss of profits arising as a result of the relocation.