HC Deb 07 February 2001 vol 362 cc526-7W
Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many section 246 applications have been acceded to in road schemes. [148048]

Mr. Hill

Section 246(2) of the Highways Act 1980 enables the acquisition, by agreement, of property the enjoyment of which will, in the opinion of a highway authority, be seriously affected by the construction or improvement of a road. This power was exercised by the Secretary of State as the highway authority for trunk roads in the case of 10 applications for discretionary purchase of property in the past calendar year. There is no central record of the use of the power by local highway authorities.