OpenLegislation

Acquisition of Land Act 1981

1981 c. 67 · Enacted 30 October 1981 · Extends to United Kingdom

Not fully up to date. 18 changes made by later legislation have not yet been written into this text, which is revised to 14 September 2026.

See the changes not yet applied
ProvisionChangeMade by
ActappliedPlanning (Wales) Act 2026 s. 263(8)
s. 19appliedPlanning (Wales) Act 2026 s. 264(3)
ActappliedPlanning (Wales) Act 2026 s. 271(5)
ActappliedPlanning (Wales) Act 2026 s. 290(3)
ActappliedPlanning (Wales) Act 2026 s. 298(2)
s. 31(4)words insertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 172(b)
s. 31(5)insertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 172(c)
s. 32(7)words insertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 173
Sch. 2A para. 7AinsertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 174
Sch. 3 para. 4(3)words substitutedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 175(a)
Sch. 3 para. 4(4)words omittedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 175(b)
s. 5B(4)words insertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 170
s. 17(3)words substitutedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 171(a)
s. 17(4)words omittedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 171(b)
s. 31(1)(a)words omittedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 172(a)(i)
s. 31(1)(aa)insertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 172(a)(ii)
Sch. 2 Pt. 3incorporated (with modifications)The Knottingley Power Plant Order 2015 art. 19
Sch. 2 Pt. 2 3incorporated (with modifications)The Green Hill Solar Farm Order 2026 art. 23
I1C1C2C3C4C5C6C7C8C9C10An Act to consolidate the Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) Act 1946 and related enactments.[30th October 1981]C11C12C13C14C15C16C17C18C19C20C21C22C23C24C25C26C27C28C29C30C31C32C33C34

Annotations to the whole text

Modifications

C1

Act applied (with modifications) by Housing Act 1985 (c. 68, SIF 61), s. 578, by Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), ss. 190(6), 201(6), by Housing Act 1988 (c. 50, SIF 61), ss. 77(4), 78(1), Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 1, by Electricity Act 1989 (c. 29, SIF 44:1), ss. 10(1)(2), 112(3), Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 5, Sch. 17 para. 35(1) and by National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 (c. 19, SIF 113:2), s. 1(2), Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 26(2)(3)

C2

Act applied by Housing Associations Act 1985 (c. 69, SIF 61), s. 88(3)(a), by Airports Act 1986 (c. 31, SIF 9), s. 59(1)(a), by Gas Act 1986 (c. 44, SIF 44:2), s. 9(3), Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 4, by Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988 (c. 4, SIF 81:1), ss. 2(6), 23(2), 27(2), Sch. 3 para. 44(4), by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 151(4) (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58), by Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (c. 8, SIF 123:1), ss. 226(7), 228(7), 254(2) and by Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (c.9, SIF 123:1), ss. 47(2), 61(2)

C3

Act extended by Airports Act 1986 (c. 31, SIF 9), s. 58, Sch. 2 para. 1(1), by Gas Act 1986 (c. 44, SIF 44:2), s. 67(1)(3), Sch. 7 para. 2(1)(xlii), Sch. 8 para. 33 and by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 190, Sch. 25 para. 1(2)(xxvii) (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)

C4

Act modified by Gas Act 1986 (c. 44, SIF 44:2), s. 67(1)(3), Sch. 7 para. 2 (10)(d), by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 190, Sch. 25 para. 1(10)(ix) (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58) and by Electricity Act 1989 (c. 29, SIF 44:1), s. 112(1)(3), Sch. 16 para. 3(2)(h), Sch. 17 paras. 33, 35(1)

C5

Act amended by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 190, Sch. 25 para. 1(11)(v) (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58) and by Electricity Act 1989 (c. 29, SIF 44:1), s. 112(1)(3), Sch. 16 para. 2(2)(9)(g), Sch. 17 paras. 33, 35(1) and extended (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 16(1), Sch. 4 para. 2(1)(xxxi); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

C6

Power to modify Act conferred (1.12.1991) by Land Drainage Act 1991 (c. 59, SIF 73:1), ss. 62(5)(b), 76(2) (with ss. 67(3)(5)(8))

C7

Act applied (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56, SIF 130), ss. 155(4), 223(2) (with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 14 para. 6)

Act applied (with modifications) (1.12.1991) by Water Resources Act 1991 (c. 57, SIF 130), ss. 154(4), 225(2) (with saving in s. 182 and with ss. 16(6), 179, 222(3), Sch. 22 para. 1, Sch. 23 para. 6)

Act applied (1.12.1991) by Land Drainage Act 1991 (c. 59, SIF 73:1), ss. 62(3), 76(2) (with ss. 67(3)(5)(8), 72(6), 74(3)(4)); Act applied (with modifications) (6.5.1992) by Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (c. 13), s. 40(6); S.I. 1992/831, art. 2, Sch. 1

Act applied (with modifications) (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, ss. 162(4), 169, Sch. 20 Pt. I; S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3.

Act applied (with modifications) (1.1.1994) by 1993 c. 35, s. 42(6) (with s. 155(11)); S.I. 1993/3106, art. 4, Sch.

Act applied (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 35, ss. 3, 4, 308(3), Sch. 1 para. 2(2); S.I. 1994/507, art. 4, Sch. 2

Act applied (E.W.) (with modifications) (30.10.1994) by S.I. 1994/2716, art. 98(3)

Act applied (with modifications) (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 16(1), Sch. 4 para. 2(11)(d); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

Act applied (1.11.1996) by 1995 c. 45, ss. 20, 21, Sch. 2 para. 3(2)

Act applied (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 20, 21, 583(2), Sch. 2 para. 3(2) (with s. 1(4)) (which Sch. 2 is prospectively repealed by 1998 c. 31, ss. 140(1)(3), 145(2)-(5) Sch. 30 para. 185, Sch. 31)

Act applied (with modifications) (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 205(6), 583(2) (with s. 1(4)) (which s. 205 is prospectively repealed by 1998 c. 31, ss. 145(4)(5), 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para. 70, Sch. 31)

Act applied (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 5(4)

Act applied (with modifications) (1.10.1998) by Welsh Development Agency Act 1975 (c. 70), Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 1(1) (as inserted (1.10.1998) by 1998 c. 38, s. 127, Sch. 13 para. 3 (with ss. 139(2), 143(2)); S.I. 1998/2244, art. 4

Act applied (with modifications) (25.11.1998 for specified purposes and otherwise 3.7.2000) by 1998 c. 45, ss. 20(4)(5), 43, Sch. 5 Pt. I; S.I. 1998/2952, art. 2; S.I. 2000/1173, art. 2(c)

Act applied (E.) (4.1.2000) and (W.) (prosp.) by 1977 c. 49, Sch. 5A para. 19(2) (as inserted (E.) (4.1.2000) and (W.) (prosp.) by 1999 c. 8, ss. 2(2), 67(1), Sch. 1; S.I. 1999/2342, art. 2(3)(a), Sch. 2)

Act applied (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 156(8), Sch. 11 para. 19(1)(2) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2(c), Sch. Pt. 3

Act applied (28.7.2000) by 2000 c. 21, s. 131, Sch. 8 para. 3(6)

Act: applied (with modifications) (E.) (2.3.2001) by S.I. 2001/1368, art. 8

C8

Act (except ss. 8(4), 32(6)): transfer of certain functions (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/672, art. 2, Sch. 1

C9

Act extended (26.3.2001) by 2000 c. 26, s. 95, Sch. 5, Pt. II para. 4(1); S.I. 2000/2957, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

C10

Act applied (26.7.2002) by Education Act 1996 (c. 56), Sch. 35A para. 3(6) (as inserted (26.7.2002) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 65, Sch. 7 Pt. 1 {para. 1} (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2002, art. 2)

C11

Act applied (with modifications) (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 4 para. 3(4) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)

C12

Act applied (1.4.2004) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), s. 199(1)(4), Sch. 4 para. 46; S.I. 2004/759, art. 2

C13

Act applied by 1994 c. 21, s. 4C(4) (as inserted (1.4.2004) by Water Act 2003 (c. 37), ss. 85(1), 105(3); S.I. 2004/641, art. 3(w) (with Sch. 3 para. 7))

C14

Act applied (with modifications) (3.8.2005) by The Greater Manchester (Leigh Busway) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/1918), art. 22

C15

Act applied (coming into force in accordance with s. 208(4) of the amending Act) by National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42), Sch. 3 para. 27 (with s. 19(3))

C16

Act applied (coming into force in accordance with s. 208(4) of the amending Act) by National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42), s. 159(5) (with s. 19(3))

C17

Act applied (coming into force in accordance with s. 208(4) of the amending Act) by National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42), Sch. 2 para. 20(2) (with s. 19(3))

C18

Act applied (1.3.2007) by National Health Service Act 2006 (c. 41), Sch. 3 para. 22(2)

C19

Act applied (1.3.2007) by National Health Service Act 2006 (c. 41), Sch. 4 para. 27(2)(3)

C20

Act applied (1.3.2007) by National Health Service Act 2006 (c. 41), s. 211(5)

C21

Act applied (with modifications) (16.5.2008) by The London Gateway Port Harbour Empowerment Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/1261), arts. 30, 33 (with arts. 41(1), 45, 54(2), 55, 56, 57, 58(6))

C22

Act applied (22.7.2008) by Crossrail Act 2008 (c. 18), s. 7(6)

C23

Act applied (with modifications) (1.12.2008) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), s. 325(1), Sch. 2 para. 1; S.I. 2008/3068, art. 2(1)(d) (with arts. 6-13)

C24

Act applied (1.4.2010) by The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/490), reg. 34(5) (with reg. 125)

C25

Act applied by 2010 c. 32, Sch. 1 para. 5(6) (as substituted (1.2.2012) by Education Act 2011 (c. 21), s. 82(3), Sch. 14 para. 1; S.I. 2012/84, art. 3 (with art. 5))

C26

Act applied (1.10.2014) by Mobile Homes (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 6), ss. 56(9), 64(2) (with Sch. 5 para. 7); S.I. 2014/11, art. 3(1)(e)

C27

Act applied by 2004 c. 21, s. 4D(16) (as inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 1 para. 5; S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 38)

C28

Act applied (23.2.2017) by High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Act 2017 (c. 7), s. 49(3)

C29

Act applied (30.11.2017) by The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1012), reg. 36(6) (with reg. 138(7))

C30

Act applied (with modifications) (8.12.2017) by The Network Rail (Closure of Abbots Ripton Level Crossing) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/1074), art. 8(3)(4)

C31

Act applied (11.2.2021) by High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Act 2021 (c. 2), s. 45(3)

C32

Act: power to amend conferred (26.12.2023) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 132, 255(3)(a) (with s. 247)

C33

Act applied (4.11.2024) by Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 3), ss. 43(2), 50(13), 137(6), 212(2) (with ss. 49, 74, Sch. 14 paras. 1-3, 5); S.I. 2024/860, art. 3(a)(b)

C34

Act applied (with modifications) (18.2.2026) by Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 (c. 34), s. 118(3), Sch. 4 para. 1 (with s. 116); S.I. 2025/1370, reg. 4(1)(l)

Commencement

I1

Act wholly in force at 30.1.1982, see s. 35(2)

Contents

  1. Part I: General
  2. 1Application of Act.
  3. Compulsory purchase
  4. 2Procedure for authorisation.
  5. 2ATunnels etc
  6. 3Minerals.
  7. 4Assessment of compensation.
  8. Supplemental
  9. 5Local inquiries.
  10. 5APower to require information
  11. 5BOffences relating to information
  12. 6Service of documents.
  13. Interpretation
  14. 7Interpretation.
  15. 8Statutory undertakers.
  16. 9Land held inalienably.
  17. Part II: Purchases By Local And Other Authorities
  18. 10Preliminary.
  19. Notices prior to submission of order to confirming authority
  20. 11Notices in newspapers. Public notices
  21. 12Notices to owners, lessees , occupiers and others.
  22. 12AFinal day for making objections
  23. Confirmation of order
  24. 13Confirmation of order: no objections
  25. 13AConfirmation of order: remaining objections
  26. 13BWritten representations procedure: supplementary
  27. 13BAConditional confirmation
  28. 13CConfirmation in stages
  29. 13DPower to extend time limit for implementation
  30. 14Land not originally included in order.
  31. 14AConfirmation by acquiring authority
  32. 14BTimetables for confirmation of CPOs except by Welsh Ministers
  33. 14CTimetables for confirmation of CPOs by Welsh Ministers
  34. 14DPower to appoint inspector
  35. 15Notices after confirmation of order
  36. Special provision about compensation
  37. 15ADirections applying section 14A of the Land Compensation Act 1961
  38. Part III: Special Kinds of Land
  39. 16Statutory undertakers’ land excluded from compulsory purchase.
  40. Orders subject to special parliamentary procedure
  41. 17Local authority and statutory undertakers’ land.
  42. 18National Trust land.
  43. 19Commons, open spaces etc.
  44. 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  45. 21Land within more than one provision in Part III.
  46. Supplemental
  47. 22Notice of giving of certificate.
  48. Part IV: Validity and Date of Operation of Orders and Certificates
  49. 23Grounds for application to High Court.
  50. 24Powers of the court.
  51. 25Restriction on other court proceedings.
  52. 26Date of operation.
  53. 27Exclusion of orders confirmed by Act of Parliament.
  54. Part V: Procedure in Special Cases
  55. Compulsory acquisition of rights over land
  56. 28Acquisition of rights over land by the creation of new rights.
  57. 29Compulsory rights orders under Opencast Coal Act 1958.
  58. 30Acquisition of rights in connection with underground storage of gas.
  59. Statutory undertakers’ land
  60. 31Acquisition under certain Acts of statutory undertakers’ land without a certificate.
  61. Part VI: Footpaths and Bridleways
  62. 32Power to extinguish certain public rights of way.
  63. 33Land acquired before commencement of this Act.
  64. Part VII: Supplemental
  65. 34Consequential amendments, transitionals and repeals.
  66. 35Short title, commencement and extent.
  67. Schedule 1: Purchases by Ministers
  68. 1Paragraph 1
  69. Notices in newspapers Public notices
  70. 2Paragraph 2
  71. Notices to owners, lessees , occupiers and others
  72. 3Paragraph 3
  73. Final day for making objections
  74. 3AParagraph 3A
  75. Making of order
  76. 4Paragraph 4
  77. 4AParagraph 4A
  78. 4AAParagraph 4AA
  79. 4BParagraph 4B
  80. Land not included in draft order
  81. 5Paragraph 5
  82. Notices after making of order
  83. 6Paragraph 6
  84. Schedule 2: Minerals
  85. Part I
  86. 1Paragraph 1
  87. Part II
  88. 2Paragraph 2
  89. Part III
  90. 3Paragraph 3
  91. 4Paragraph 4
  92. Severed mines
  93. 5Paragraph 5
  94. 6Paragraph 6
  95. 7Paragraph 7
  96. Powers of entry
  97. 8Paragraph 8
  98. Remedial works
  99. 9Paragraph 9
  100. Schedule 2A: Enactments eligible for directions applying section 14A of the Land Compensation Act 1961
  101. A1Enactments authorising acquisitions for purposes including housing
  102. 1Enactments authorising acquisitions for purposes including housing
  103. 2Enactments authorising acquisitions for purposes including housing
  104. 3Enactments authorising acquisitions for purposes including housing
  105. 4Enactments authorising acquisitions for purposes including housing
  106. 5Enactments authorising acquisitions for purposes including housing
  107. 6Enactments authorising acquisitions for purposes including housing
  108. 7Enactments authorising acquisitions for purposes including housing
  109. 8Enactments authorising acquisitions for purposes of the NHS
  110. 9Enactments authorising acquisitions for purposes of the NHS
  111. 10Enactments authorising acquisitions for purposes of the NHS
  112. 11Enactment authorising acquisitions for educational purposes
  113. Schedule 3: Acquisition of Rights over Land by the Creation of New Rights
  114. Part I
  115. 1Paragraph 1
  116. General modifications
  117. 2Paragraph 2
  118. Part II: Acquisition of New Rights Over Special Kinds of Land
  119. Statutory undertakers land
  120. 3Paragraph 3
  121. Orders subject to special parliamentary procedure
  122. Local authority and statutory undertakers’ land
  123. 4Paragraph 4
  124. National Trust land
  125. 5Paragraph 5
  126. Commons, open spaces etc.
  127. 6Paragraph 6
  128. Ancient monuments
  129. 7Paragraph 7 Repealed
  130. Land within more than one provision in this Schedule
  131. 8Paragraph 8
  132. Notice of giving of certificate
  133. 9Paragraph 9
  134. Schedule 4: CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS
  135. Translation of references to the Act of 1946
  136. 1Paragraph 1
  137. Land Settlement Facilities Act 1919 (c. 59)
  138. 2Paragraph 2
  139. Agriculture Act 1947 (c. 48)
  140. 3Paragraph 3 Repealed
  141. 4Paragraph 4 Repealed
  142. 5Paragraph 5 Repealed
  143. 6Paragraph 6 Repealed
  144. Coast Protection Act 1949 (c. 74)
  145. 7Paragraph 7
  146. National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (c. 97)
  147. 8Paragraph 8
  148. Housing Repairs and Rents Act 1954 (c. 53)
  149. 9Paragraph 9
  150. 10Paragraph 10 Repealed
  151. Opencast Coal Act 1958 (c. 69)
  152. 11Paragraph 11
  153. 12Paragraph 12 Repealed
  154. Police Act 1964 (c. 48)
  155. 13Paragraph 13 Repealed
  156. Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 (c. 56)
  157. 14Paragraph 14
  158. Agriculture Act 1967 (c. 22)
  159. 15Paragraph 15
  160. Leasehold Reform Act 1967 (c. 88)
  161. 16Paragraph 16
  162. Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41)
  163. 17Paragraph 17
  164. Transport Act 1968 (c. 73)
  165. 18Paragraph 18
  166. Courts Act 1971 (c. 23)
  167. 19Paragraph 19 Repealed
  168. 20Paragraph 20 Repealed
  169. 21Paragraph 21 Repealed
  170. 22Paragraph 22 Repealed
  171. Gas Act 1972 (c. 60)
  172. 23Paragraph 23
  173. 24Paragraph 24 Repealed
  174. 25Paragraph 25 Repealed
  175. Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (c. 57)
  176. 26Paragraph 26
  177. Development of Rural Wales Act 1976 (c. 75)
  178. 27Paragraph 27 Repealed
  179. National Health Service Act 1977 (c. 49)
  180. 28Paragraph 28 Repealed
  181. Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (c. 46)
  182. 29Paragraph 29
  183. Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (c. 65)
  184. 30Paragraph 30
  185. Highways Act 1980 (c. 66)
  186. 31Paragraph 31
  187. Animal Health Act 1981 (c. 22)
  188. 32Paragraph 32
  189. New Towns Act 1981 (c. 64)
  190. 33Paragraph 33
  191. Schedule 5: Transitional
  192. References to old law to include new law
  193. 1Paragraph 1
  194. References to new law to include old law
  195. 2Paragraph 2
  196. Periods of time
  197. 3Paragraph 3
  198. Successor authorities
  199. 4Paragraph 4
  200. Construction of enactments applying the 1946 Act
  201. 5Paragraph 5
  202. Local authority and statutory undertakers land excluded from compulsory purchase
  203. 6Paragraph 6
  204. Extinguishment of certain public rights of way
  205. 7Paragraph 7
  206. Schedule 6: REPEALS
  207. IPart I
  208. IISPENT PROVISIONS
  209. IIISTATUTORY INSTRUMENTS