John Sayer, Head of Regeneration at Ardent, has been appointed as the new chair of the Compulsory Purchase Association (CPA)

Ardent is delighted to announce that John Sayer, Head of Regeneration at Ardent has been named as the new chair of the Compulsory Purchase Association (CPA).

John is a leading property expert with more than 20 years’ experience in the sector, and takes on the role after serving as vice chair of the organisation.

He has previously served on its elected national board and was honorary secretary.

John’s appointment comes at a crucial period for both the CPA and for the industry as a whole.

The UK government is proposing to use expanded compulsory purchase powers for several key initiatives, starting with the ambitious plan to build 1.5 million new homes. Beyond housing, these powers are set to facilitate major infrastructure and transport projects, including utilities, railways, and reservoirs while, at the same time, the CPA is going through a period of reform.

John said: “I am honoured to move into the role as chair of the CPA. It is an organisation that is full of dedicated people who recognise the importance and significance of compulsory purchase in delivering major developments – from infrastructure through to regeneration – but also understand the human element to the process too.

“This coming year is going to be packed with several key developments for our industry and for us as an organisation.

“The new Government is committed to growth and wants to deliver 1.5 million new homes alongside all of the necessary infrastructure that will be required. This will take a huge amount of land assembly and a significant number of compulsory purchase orders. It is also embarking on the Great Grid Upgrade, which Ardent is playing a key role in.

“At the same time, there is going to be reform to the rules on compulsory purchase and as the CPA we will be addressing those and ensuring that they are fit for purpose when it comes to the delivery of the Government’s ambitious plans for development.

“As an organisation – one that has been in operation for more than 20 years – the CPA will also be undergoing reform of its own and I am proud that I will be chair as we go through this process.

“We will be engaging with members to understand their evolving needs and that will help us to develop a five-year strategic plan to ensure we are responsive to the needs of all of our members and stakeholders.”

John will also lead a CPA delegation to UKREiiF for the first time as well as supporting the delivery of its traditional events calendar which includes the CPA Annual Dinner, National Conference, regional events, training opportunities and its debate-style Talking Heads series.

He added: “Overall, we aim to strengthen our role as a leading voice in the compulsory purchase and land assembly landscape in the UK while enhancing support for professionals navigating these complex processes.

“It’s going to be a busy 12 months!”

Jon Stott, a past chair of the CPA and the Group Managing Director at Ardent, said: “I am very pleased for John, who is one of the most dedicated professionals in the sector, that he has been appointed chair of the CPA.

“He will do an incredible job and will be a positive force for change in our industry.”