Advising a tenant in response to a landlord asserting compulsory purchase powers

The client’s lease expired in 2014 but the client continued in occupation of the building beyond this date, paying rent to the landlord on a quarterly basis. The client was subsequently served with notice by the Landlord, who was also a local authority, seeking possession.

The council was seeking vacant possession of the property under a general vesting declaration and compulsory purchase procedures to allow it to proceed with a development.

Alison Sparks and Grace Mercer were instructed to give advice to the client as to its position and thereafter to negotiate a settlement with the landlord.