This step, if approved, would be a normal and established practice for major infrastructure schemes across the UK and would enable the council to deliver the project within the planned timescales.

The Council’s preferred approach remains to acquire the land required through negotiation, and discussions with landowners are continuing in good faith. The potential use of CPO powers should not be seen as undermining those negotiations; rather, it is a necessary and proportionate safeguard to enable the scheme to proceed if voluntary agreements cannot be reached. Where agreements are secured, land would be removed from the CPO process.

The Hereford Bypass is a transformative project for the city, county and wider region. Phase One will connect key industrial sites to the south of Hereford, improving access to the Hereford enterprise area while helping to remove longstanding barriers to economic growth. 

Cllr Philip Price, Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure said:

“Cabinet will be asked to take an important step towards delivering one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Herefordshire’s history. When fully delivered, the Hereford Bypass will unblock congestion in the city and allow it to breathe; it will unlock growth potential for the whole county with new homes and employment land, and it will unleash Herefordshire’s future. The first phase will be the prerequisite of that vision. This latest milestone - a necessary and proportionate one – underlines this council’s commitment to improve resilience and transform connectivity for our residents and businesses. This is why we back the bypass. While we continue to work hard to reach voluntary agreements with landowners, the option of a CPO helps us keep the project on track.”

If Cabinet approves the recommendation on 18 December, the CPO process will run in parallel with ongoing negotiations to provide certainty and maintain momentum for this critical infrastructure investment, with construction due to begin by the end of 2026.

The Cabinet papers can be viewed on our website

Explainer: 

What is a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)?

A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) is a legal tool that allows councils and other public bodies to acquire land or property without the owner’s consent, where it is needed for a project that serves the public interest - such as building a new road or other essential infrastructure.

For major schemes like the Hereford Bypass, CPOs are normal practice across the UK. They provide certainty that land can be secured within the timescales required for construction, even if negotiations with landowners take longer than expected.

How does the process work?

Cabinet approval - The council must formally resolve to make a CPO. Negotiations remain ongoing - The council continues to seek voluntary agreements with landowners. If agreements are reached, those plots are removed from the CPO.

Order submission - The CPO is made and then submitted to the Secretary of State for confirmation.

Acquisition and compensation - Once confirmed, the council acquires the land and pays compensation based on market value and any associated costs.

Why is this necessary?

Running a CPO process in parallel with negotiations is a safeguard. It ensures the project can proceed on time and avoids the risk of delay if voluntary agreements cannot be reached.

What are the risks of NOT making a CPO?

Delays or failure to deliver the scheme - If even one landowner refuses to sell, the entire project could stall.

Escalating costs - Without a CPO, landowners could hold out for inflated prices, increasing costs to taxpayers.

Loss of funding and credibility - Delays could jeopardise allocated funding and damage confidence in the council’s ability to deliver.

Economic and social impact - Failure to deliver the bypass would mean continued congestion, limited housing growth, and missed opportunities for jobs and investment