Harriet Townsend

Harriet represents promoters of and objectors to CPO schemes, and will advise on the acquisition itself and all relevant issues eg valuation and implementation of the order.

Ecotricity headquarters building, Stroud: Harriet promoted the CPO of vacant and vandalised office premises in Stroud known as Tricorn House, proposing demolition and the construction of a highly sustainable landmark replacement. An indemnity agreement was in place between Ecotricity and the Council and there was direct and unqualified evidence of the company’s intention to proceed. Although the objector landowner was willing to sell at the right value, the order was not confirmed. The Inspector was most concerned about the need to obtain planning permission and the lack of a development agreement.

The Waveney Campus, Lowestoft: Harriet promoted the CPO for Waveney District Council, the order making authority, at Inquiry. The project comprises new offices and laboratories for the Centre for the Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas), as well as office accommodation for Waveney District Council (WDC) and Suffolk County Council (SCC). The project is the first occasion on which an executive agency of central government and local government will have shared accommodation. Planning permission had not been obtained prior to confirmation of the CPO.

Other inquiries include: Highways CPOs, town centre regeneration schemes.