What is the function of compulsory purchase orders?

Compulsory purchase orders are a legal tool that allows local authorities or other designated bodies to acquire land or property for specific public projects without the consent of the owner. This mechanism is used primarily to facilitate the development of infrastructure projects that are deemed necessary for the public good, such as roads, schools, and hospitals.

The purpose of compulsory purchase is to ensure that essential projects can proceed without delay due to difficulties in negotiating land purchases. For example, if a local council needs to expand a road to alleviate traffic congestion, and the land required is owned by a private individual who is unwilling to sell, the council can utilize a compulsory purchase order to obtain the land necessary to move forward with the project.

This legal process also includes provisions for compensating the landowners whose properties are taken under such orders, ensuring fairness in the relocation or acquisition process. Therefore, the function of compulsory purchase orders is fundamentally linked to facilitating public infrastructure development, which is why the answer indicating that they allow councils to buy land for infrastructure projects is correct.