DCO, A14 Highway Improvements

Our client acquired a former public house on the A14 with the intention of obtaining planning consent for truck stop facilities. However, shortly after the submission of the outline planning application Highways England published plans for the upgrading of the A14 and issued safeguarding directions such that the Local Planning Authority were unable to determine the planning application.

Following confirmation of the A14 Development Consent Order we approached the LPA and following discussions in respect of traffic capacity and landscaping issues secured a Decision Notice that refused consent for the proposed development on the sole ground that the land was required for the A14 scheme.

We then submitted a compensation claim and advance payment request on behalf of our client on the basis that in the ‘no scheme world’ the outline application would have been granted consent.

We are now advising in respect of the securing of a Section 17 CAAD for an enhanced hypothetical scheme and preparation of Expert evidence in connection with impending proceedings at the Lands Chamber Upper Tribunal.