This practice note examines the mechanisms by which a local authority may appropriate land for planning purposes. The note discusses the appropriation of land for planning purposes under section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972, the development of land held for planning purposes under section 235 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA 1990) and the disposal of land held for planning purposes under section 233 of the TCPA 1990.

The note also examines the scope and application of the term "planning purposes" under section 226 of the TCPA 1990, and the power to override easements and rights in land appropriated for planning purposes under section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 (which replaced section 237 of the TCPA 1990.