National compensation code
The national compensation code (the compensation code or the land compensation code) is the collective term for the principles derived from statute and case law, relating to compensation for compulsory acquisition, which ensures that when land is needed for an infrastructure project, the owners receive compensation to help them relocate. The code also ensures that those who experience real, physical events, for example vibration or noise, from a scheme once it is in operation are entitled to compensation.
Ref The HS2 London-West Midlands Environmental Statement, Glossary of terms and list of abbreviations, DETR 2013.
Formally there is no actual code. It is not a single document, but comprises a collection of enactments, consisting primarily of the Land Compensation Act 1961, the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 and the Land Compensation Act 1973 (as amended by the Planning and Compensation Act 1991 and the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004), supplemented by case law informing the effect of these provisions and their predecessors.
Ref Crossrail information paper C2, Operation of the National Compensation Code, Crossrail 2007.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Compulsory purchase.
- Compulsory purchase orders for listed buildings.
- Crichel Down rules.
- Demolition.
- Empty dwelling management orders.
- Empty housing in London - documentary.
- National planning policy framework.
- Nationally significant infrastructure projects.
- Neighbourhood Planning Bill 2016-17.
- Planning and Compensation Act 1991.
- Planning permission.
- Property blight.
- Safeguarded land.
Featured articles and news
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.





















