In this article it is proposed to consider the law regulating the
assessment of compensation in cases where an existing house is acquired
compulsorily by a local or other public authority (such as the Ministry of
Transport) for some form of development, such as the construction of a
motorway. It is not proposed to consider the special case of unfit houses
('slum clearance"), or the acquisition of vacant land, which may involve
questions of potentiality of development. First, however, it is necessary to
explain briefly the procedure whereby compensation may be claimed and assessed.