House of Commons – June 10, 2025 – 220

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

Clause text:

New Clause 22 - Use of compulsory purchase powers for active travel routes “(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, issue or update guidance on what is to be considered a compelling case in the public interest in relation to the use of compulsory purchase powers. (2) The guidance must make clear that— (a) the use of compulsory purchase powers for the purposes of developing or facilitating active travel routes are to be considered in the public interest;

(b) when proposing the use of compulsory purchase powers for the purposes of developing or facilitating active travel routes, local planning authorities are— (i) required to demonstrate that best efforts have been made to consider alternative route options, but (ii) are not required to demonstrate that the proposed route is the only or best route. (3) For the purposes of this section, ‘active travel’ means modes of travel which involve a level of activity on the part of the traveller.”—(Freddie van Mierlo.)