The strategy behind land acquisition should start early in the project journey. At Ardent we ensure that each client has access to all the required land information they need to make an informed decision on the best route option and Order boundary. From our Land Referencing team providing ownership information, to our valuation team providing in-depth assessments of compensation, we pull together as one team to ensure all facts and figures are readily available, including feasibility assessments and advice, scheme appraisal and development options, property proposals and impact, consultation process and reports, objections and dispute resolutions.

We undertake stakeholder consultation, landowner engagement, and public consultation to a thorough standard for all forms of a compulsory purchase order. With extensive experience of complex negotiations, compulsory purchase orders, and dispute resolution, we have the skills to anticipate potential conflicts and resolve them before they become an issue. In many cases, we have overcome third-party concerns by entering into agreements that regulate the ongoing promotion and procurement of the scheme, while at the same time ensuring project delivery and reducing risks to cost and budget.

Ardent has considerable experience in statutory document production focused on driving successful consent. This includes Book of Reference/ CPO Schedule, Land Plans, Land Works Plans and CPO Maps, Crown Land Plans, Special Category plans, Statement of Reasons, Funding Statement, and Consultation report.

Our team has extensive experience working within local communities to resolve points of conflict related to developments. Undertaking preliminary, and thorough engagement and consultation with affected parties enables our team to remove concerns and mitigate future risks of objection.

Our unique expertise in all aspects of compulsory purchase enables Ardent to effectively project manage land assembly and compulsory purchase projects through their entire lifecycle. Our depth of experience means we can advise clients on the appointment of suitable and experienced consultants to create a solid multi-disciplinary team. Our project managers have extensive experience in the promotion of successful infrastructure and regeneration projects, supporting our clients through a growing service base, including budgeting and reporting, option appraisal, risk management, procurement and contract negotiations, as well as land acquisition and project promotion and consultation.

The approach taken when addressing property acquisition can have an enormous impact if not planned and managed effectively. Our highly experienced team can devise a bespoke strategy that ensures the minimum amount of land required for compulsory purchase. Where possible, we will negotiate the purchase of land on a consensual basis with a view to delivering your project ahead of programme and under budget.

Our team has a wealth of experience in preparing for applications and examinations, providing evidence and information throughout the process to successfully defend the application. Ardent’s experience in DCO examinations, public inquiries, and hearings ensures that we are best placed to advise and prepare our clients, providing a growing portfolio of services that includes responses to written representations, written questions and submissions, attendance at hearings, drafting of summaries of speaking notes, updates to application documents, and compulsory Acquisition speaking notes and schedule.

A lot has been achieved by the time planning consent has been granted, but ensuring consistent success through the construction stage and beyond still requires strategic planning and management. Acting as an extension of the client project team, Ardent works in conjunction with the client’s existing land team, or as the sole land team where there isn’t one, ensuring efficient delivery during the post-consent and construction phase. We offer a number of key deliverables, including land strategy, land delivery and compensation risk management, notice and plan production service, land access, handover certificates, crop loss claims, and additional land acquisition.