The Issue:
Several of our client’s subsidiaries are based at a site in Dartford, a location which is vital to the company’s ability to operate, given its proximity to the River Thames. Huge quantities of material are brought on and off site each week, which can only feasibly be done by barge.A large UK energy operator sought a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to obtain the land that included our client’s Dartford site. If a CPO was obtained, an existential problem would have been created for our client, as they would be forced to either relocate or close their UK businesses.
How we helped:
Working with a leading KC, we engaged with the energy operator directly, and secured confirmation that they would not proceed with a CPO of our client’s site. The operator also agreed to pay costs.We ensured that our client could continue to operate from the site, saving the business from an unwanted relocation which would have cost £20 million, and saving over 60 jobs.
