Commentary Part 8: London Chapter 2: Mayoral development corporations Sections 206 to 210: Land functions
430.Section 206 provides that a mayoral development corporation may carry out or facilitate a range of specified activities including the regeneration or development of land and bringing about the effective use of land.
431.Section 207 provides that a mayoral development corporation can acquire land within its area or elsewhere by agreement. With the authorisation of the Secretary of State, and the prior consent of the Mayor, a mayoral development corporation can acquire compulsorily land or new rights over land within its area or elsewhere within Greater London.
432.Section 208 provides for Schedules 3 and 4 to the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 to apply in relation to a mayoral development corporation and its land. The powers include powers to override easements and extinguish public rights of way, powers in relation to burial grounds and consecrated land, and powers in relation to, and for, statutory undertakers. Where a mayoral development corporation wishes to extinguish rights of way, it requires the Mayor’s agreement.
433.Section 209 provides that a mayoral development corporation is not permitted to dispose of land for less than best consideration, unless the Mayor consents, but this does not apply to granting or assigning a short tenancy of seven years or less.
434.Section 210 provides that a mayoral development corporation can: authorise a person to enter land in connection with a proposal by the mayoral development corporation to acquire that land or other land, or a claim for compensation in respect to the acquisition of land; and exercise this power for the purposes of surveying land or estimating its value.