The Network Rail (Kettering to Wigston South Junction and Napsbury Lane) (Land Acquisition) Order 2026
This Statutory Instrument, The Network Rail (Kettering to Wigston South Junction and Napsbury Lane) (Land Acquisition) Order 2026, grants Network Rail Infrastructure Limited the powers to compulsorily acquire land, or new rights over land, necessary for the electrification and improvement works on the Midland Mainline railway between Kettering and Wigston South Junction, as well as access rights at Napsbury Lane; the Order details modifications to existing legislation concerning compulsory purchase, temporary possession for construction and maintenance, compensation assessment procedures, and the extinguishment of certain private rights of way, setting a five-year limit for exercising these acquisition powers.
Arguments For
Authorises necessary compulsory land acquisition to facilitate significant infrastructure upgrades (electrification and improvement) on the critical Midland Mainline.
Ensures project continuity by setting specific time limits (5 years) for the exercise of acquisition powers, providing certainty for landowners and the project.
Provides mechanisms for temporary land possession for construction and maintenance, balancing the needs of the project with landowner rights through compensation provisions.
Includes protections for statutory undertakers' apparatus and clarifies procedures for extinguishing private rights of way, streamlining the construction process.
The Order modifies standard compulsory purchase legislation (1965 Act, 1981 Act) to specifically suit the acquisition of new rights (like easements) rather than full land ownership, potentially reducing the impact on some owners.
Arguments Against
Involves the compulsory taking of private land and rights, overriding property ownership rights for the purpose of the rail project.
Temporary possession powers may cause disruption and damage to land and property, requiring reliance on compensation mechanisms which can be disputed.
The Order extinguishes certain private rights of way, notably those associated with Bridge 34, without immediate provision of substitutes, potentially impacting local access until new crossings are built.
Landowners and occupiers face uncertainty due to the complexity of the legislation, modified definitions, and necessary legal processes for challenging decisions or claiming compensation.
Time limits for possession (e.g., one year after construction completion for temporary use) may see land tied up for extended periods, even after the main works cease.
S T A T U T O R Y I N S T R U M E N T S
2026 No. 141
TRANSPORT AND WORKS, ENGLAND
TRANSPORT, ENGLAND
The Network Rail (Kettering to Wigston South Junction and Napsbury Lane) (Land Acquisition) Order 2026
10th February 2026
- [omitted]
Coming into force
3rd March 2026
This establishes the document as a Statutory Instrument, specifically '2026 No. 141', made under powers relating to Transport in England.
It names the order after the specific railway works it authorises and specifies key dates: the order was made on February 10th, 2026, and came into force on March 3rd, 2026.
CONTENTS PART 1 PRELIMINARY
- Citation and commencement
- Interpretation
PART 2 ACQUISITION AND POSSESSION OF LAND
Powers of acquisition
- Power to acquire land
- Application of Part 1 of the 1965 Act
- Application of the 1981 Act
- Power to acquire new rights
Temporary possession of land
- Temporary use of land for construction works
- Temporary use of land for oversailing
- Temporary use of land for maintenance of works
Compensation
- Disregard of certain interests and improvements
Supplementary
- Extinction or suspension of private rights of way
- Accommodation crossing
- Time limit for exercise of powers of acquisition
PART 3
MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL
- Statutory undertakers etc.
- Certification of plans etc.
- Service of notices
- No double recovery
- Arbitration
The contents reveal the structure of the Order, divided into three main parts.
Part 1 covers preliminary matters like citation and definitions.
Part 2 grants powers for the compulsory acquisition of land and rights, and details the rules for temporary possession of land for construction, oversailing, and maintenance, alongside compensation provisions.
Part 3 covers general and miscellaneous provisions, including how to handle statutory undertakers, the formal certification of plans, service of legal notices, prevention of double compensation claims, and procedures for arbitration.
An application has been made to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Transport and Works (Applications and Objections Procedure) (England and Wales) Rules 2006( a ) for an Order under sections 1 and 5 of the Transport and Works Act 1992( b ) ('the 1992 Act').
The Secretary of State caused an inquiry to be held for the purposes of the application pursuant to section 11 of the 1992 Act.
The Secretary of State, having considered the objections made and not withdrawn and the report of the person who held the inquiry, has determined to make an Order giving effect to the proposals comprised in the application with modifications which in the opinion of the Secretary of State do not make any substantial change in the proposals. Notice of the Secretary of State's determination was published in the London Gazette on 4th November 2025.
The Secretary of State, in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 1 and 5 of, and paragraphs 1, 3, 4, 7, 11, 16 and 17 of Schedule 1 to, the 1992 Act makes the following Order.
This preamble explains the legal basis for the Order.
An application was made to the Secretary of State under the Transport and Works Act 1992.
Following this application, a public inquiry was held.
The Secretary of State decided to implement the proposed works, incorporating modifications deemed not substantial.
Public notice of this determination was given in the London Gazette in November 2025, leading to the making of this Order using the specified powers.
PART 1
PRELIMINARY
- Citation and commencement
- Interpretation
This section begins Part 1, which establishes the preliminary legal framework for the rest of the Order, covering how the Order is officially referenced and the definitions of key terms used throughout.
- This Order may be cited as the Network Rail (Kettering to Wigston South Junction and Napsbury Lane) (Land Acquisition) Order 2026 and comes into force on 3rd March 2026.
Article 1 specifies the official short title for this legislation and confirms that it legally became active on March 3rd, 2026.
- -(1) In this Order-
'the 1961 Act' means the Land Compensation Act 1961( c );
'the 1965 Act' means the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965( d );
[... footnotes a, b, c, d listing other acts ...]
'the 1980 Act' means the Highways Act 1980( a );
'the 1981 Act' means the Compulsory Purchase (Vesting Declarations) Act 1981( b );
'the 1990 Act' means the Town and Country Planning Act 1990( c );
'the 2003 Act' means the Communications Act 2003( d );
'address' includes any number or address used for the purposes of electronic transmission;
'authorised works' means the works or any part of the works using Network Rail's permitted development rights for the electrification and improvement of the Midland Mainline railway between Kettering and Wigston South Junction comprising, in relation to each of the land parcels listed in column (1) of the table in Schedule 1 (authorised works), the works described in column (2) of that table authorised by the statutes specified in column (3) of that table;
'the book of reference' means the book of reference certified by the Secretary of State as the book of reference for the purposes of this Order;
'building' includes any structure or erection or any part of a building, structure or erection;
'deposited plans' means the plans certified by the Secretary of State as the deposited plans for the purposes of this Order;
'electronic transmission' means a communication transmitted-
- (a) by means of an electronic communications network; or
- (b) by other means but while in electronic form;
- (c) and in this definition 'electronic communications network' has the same meaning as in section 32(1)( e ) (meaning of electronic communications networks and services) of the 2003 Act;
'maintain' includes inspect, repair, adjust, alter, remove, reconstruct and replace, and 'maintenance' is to be construed accordingly;
'Network Rail' means Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (company registration number 02904587) whose registered office is at Waterloo General Office, London SE1 8SW;
'Network Rail's permitted development rights' means development for which Network Rail has general permission under Parts 8 and 18 of Schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015( f );
'Order land' means the land shown on the deposited plans which is within the limits of land to be acquired or used and described in the book of reference;
'Order limits' means the limits of land to be acquired or used shown on the deposited plans;
'owner', in relation to land, has the same meaning as in section 7 of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981( g );
'statutory undertaker' means-
( a ) any person who is a statutory undertaker for any of the purposes of the 1990 Act; and
- (b) any public communications provider within the meaning of section 151(1) of the 2003 Act;
'the tribunal' means the Lands Chamber of the Upper Tribunal.
(2) References in this Order to rights over land include references to rights to do, or to place and maintain, anything in, on or under land or in the airspace above its surface.
(3) References in this Order to numbered plots are references to plot numbers on the deposited plans.
(4) All distances, directions and lengths referred to in this Order are approximate.
(5) References in this Order to points identified by letters with or without numbers, are construed as references to points so lettered on the deposited plans.
Article 2 establishes definitions crucial for interpreting the Order.
It lists several key pieces of prior legislation, such as the 1965 Act (Compulsory Purchase) and the 1990 Act (Town and Country Planning).
The term 'authorised works' specifically refers to the electrification and improvement of the Midland Mainline between Kettering and Wigston South Junction, consistent with Network Rail's existing development rights.
It also defines critical documentation like the 'deposited plans' and the 'book of reference,' which legally map out the required land.
PART 2
ACQUISITION AND POSSESSION OF LAND
Powers of acquisition
Power to acquire land
- -(1) Network Rail may acquire compulsorily so much of the land shown on the deposited plans and described in the book of reference as may be required for or in connection with the authorised works, and it may use any land so acquired for those purposes or for any other purposes that are ancillary to its railway undertaking.
(2) This article is subject to paragraph (2) of article 6 (power to acquire new rights), paragraph (8) of article 7 (temporary use of land for construction of works) and paragraph (1) of article 8 (temporary use of land for oversailing).
Article 3 grants Network Rail the primary power to purchase land needed for the authorised works, including ancillary railway purposes.
Compulsory purchase applies only to land detailed in the deposited plans and book of reference.
However, this power is limited by subsequent articles, meaning it cannot override the specific rules regarding the acquisition of 'new rights' (Article 6) or provisions related to temporary land use (Articles 7 and 8).
Application of Part 1 of the 1965 Act
- -(1) Part 1 (compulsory acquisition under Acquisition of Land Act 1946) of the 1965 Act, in so far as not modified by or inconsistent with the provisions of this Order, applies to the acquisition of land under this Order-
- (a) as it applies to a compulsory purchase to which the Acquisition of Land Act 1981( a ) applies; and
- (b) as if this Order were a compulsory purchase order under that Act.
(2) Part 1 of the 1965 Act, as applied by paragraph (1), has effect with the following modifications.
(3) Omit section 4 (time limit for giving notice to treat).
(4) In section 4A(1)( b ) (extension of time limit during challenge) for 'section 23 of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 (application to High Court in respect of compulsory purchase order), the applicable period for the purposes of section 4', substitute 'section 22 of the Transport and Works Act 1992 (validity of orders under section 1 or 3), the five year period mentioned in article 13 (time limit for exercise of powers of acquisition) of the Network Rail (Kettering to Wigston South Junction and Napsbury Lane) (Land Acquisition) Order 2026'.
(5) In section 11B(1B)( a )(powers of entry) in a case where the notice to treat relates only to the acquisition of an easement or other right over land, for '3 months' substitute '1 month'.
(6) In section 11A( b ) (powers of entry: further notices of entry)-
- (a) in subsection (1)(a), after 'land' insert 'under that provision'; and
- (b) in subsection (2), after 'land' insert 'under that provision'.
(7) In section 22(2) (interests omitted from purchase), for 'section 4 of this Act' substitute 'article 14 of the Network Rail (Kettering to Wigston South Junction and Napsbury Lane) (Land Acquisition) Order 2026'.
(8) In Schedule 2A( c )(counter-notice requiring purchase of land not in notice to treat) after paragraph 29 insert-
'PART 4
INTERPRETATION
- In this Schedule, references to entering on and taking possession of land do not include doing so under articles 7 (temporary use of land for construction of works), 8 (temporary use of land for oversailing), and 9 (temporary use of land for maintenance of works) of the Network Rail (Kettering to Wigston South Junction and Napsbury Lane) (Land Acquisition) Order 2026.'.
Article 4 brings Part 1 of the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 into effect for land acquisition under this Order, treating it like a standard compulsory purchase order under the 1981 Act.
Crucially, it lists several modifications to the 1965 Act.
These modifications remove the standard time limit for giving notice to treat (Section 4) and adapt provisions relating to time extensions during legal challenges, linking them instead to the five-year limit specified in Article 13 of this Order.
Furthermore, it shortens the notice of entry period to one month if only an easement is being acquired, and it amends Schedule 2A regarding counter-notices to exclude temporary possession purposes defined in Articles 7, 8, and 9.
Application of the 1981 Act
- -(1) The 1981 Act applies as if this Order were a compulsory purchase order.
(2) The 1981 Act, as applied by paragraph (1), has effect with the following modifications.
(3) In section 5(2) (earliest date for execution of declaration), omit the words from ', and this subsection' to the end.
(4) Omit section 5A (time limit for general vesting declaration)( d ).
(5) In section 5B( e )(extension of time limit during challenge) for 'section 23 of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 (application to High Court in respect of compulsory purchase order), the three year period mentioned in section 5A' substitute 'section 22 of the Transport and Works Act 1992 (validity of orders under section 1 or 3), the five year period mentioned in article 13 (time limit for exercise of powers of acquisition) of the Network Rail (Kettering to Wigston South Junction and Napsbury Lane) (Land Acquisition) Order 2026'.
(6) In subsection 6(1)(b)( f )(notices after execution of declaration), for 'section 15 of, or paragraph 6 of Schedule 1 to the Acquisition of Land Act 1981' substitute 'section 14A of the Transport and Works Act 1992'.
(7) In subsection 7(1)(a)( g )(constructive notice to treat), omit the words '(as modified by section 4 of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981)'.
- (8) References to the 1965 Act in the 1981 Act are to be construed as references to that Act as applied to the acquisition of land under article 3 (power to acquire land) by article 4 (application of Part 1 of the 1965 Act).
Article 5 applies the Compulsory Purchase (Vesting Declarations) Act 1981 to the Order, similarly requiring modifications to its standard provisions.
Provisions regarding the earliest date for executing a vesting declaration and the time limit for a general vesting declaration (Section 5A) are removed.
Time limits for extensions during challenges are linked to the five-year operational period set out in the Order (Article 13), mirroring the adaptation made to the 1965 Act.
Crucially, references to other legislation within the 1981 Act must be read in the context of how the 1965 Act has already been applied specifically by this Order (Article 4).
Power to acquire new rights
- -(1) Subject to paragraph (3), Network Rail may acquire compulsorily such easements or other rights over any land which it is authorised to acquire under article 3 (power to acquire land) as may be required for any purpose for which that land may be acquired under that provision, by creating them as well as by acquiring easements or other rights already in existence.
(2) In the case of the Order land specified in columns (1) and (2) of Schedule 3 (land in which only new rights etc., may be acquired) Network Rail's powers of compulsory acquisition under article 3(1) (power to acquire land) are limited to the acquisition of such new rights as may be required for the purpose specified in relation to that land in column (3) of that Schedule.
(3) Subject to Schedule 2A to the 1965 Act (as substituted by paragraph 5(8) of Schedule 2 (modification and compensation and compulsory purchase enactments for creation of new rights)) and where Network Rail acquires a right over land under paragraph (2), Network Rail is not required to acquire a greater interest in that land.
(4) In any case where the acquisition of new rights under paragraph (1) is required for the purpose of diverting, replacing or protecting apparatus of a statutory undertaker, Network Rail may, with the consent of the Secretary of State, transfer the power to acquire such rights to the statutory undertaker in question.
(5) Schedule 2 has effect for the purpose of modifying the enactments relating to compensation, and the provisions of the 1965 Act in its application in relation to the compulsory acquisition under this Order of a right over land by the creation of a new right.
(6) The exercise by a statutory undertaker of any power in accordance with a transfer under paragraph (4) is subject to the same restrictions, liabilities and obligations as would apply under this Order if that power were exercised by Network Rail.
Article 6 allows Network Rail to compel ownership of easements or new rights over land, rather than the land itself, when required for the authorised works.
For specific plots listed in Schedule 3, the power to acquire land outright under Article 3 is restricted solely to acquiring these new rights for specified purposes (like bridge realignment access).
If a new right is acquired, Network Rail is not forced to purchase the full land interest.
The Order also allows Network Rail, with Ministerial consent, to transfer the power to acquire certain new rights (needed for statutory undertaker apparatus) directly to that undertaker.
Schedule 2 contains detailed modifications to compensation and purchase enactments to accommodate the creation of these new rights.
Temporary possession of land
Temporary use of land for construction works
- -(1) Network Rail may, in connection with the carrying out of the authorised works-
(a) enter upon and take temporary possession of-
(i) any of the land specified in columns (1) and (2) of Schedule 4 (land of which temporary possession may be taken) for the purpose specified in relation to that land in column (3) of that Schedule; and
(ii) any of the relevant land in respect of which no notice of entry has been served under section 11( a )(powers of entry) of the 1965 Act (other than in connection with the acquisition of rights only) and no declaration has been made under section 4( b ) (execution of declaration) of the 1981 Act;
(b) remove any buildings and vegetation from that land;
(c) construct temporary works (including the provision of means of access) and buildings on the land; and
(d) construct any permanent works specified in relation to that land in column (3) of Schedule 4 or any mitigation works on that land.
(2) Not less than 14 days before entering upon and taking temporary possession of land under this article, Network Rail must serve notice of the intended entry on the owners and occupiers of the land.
(3) Network Rail may not, without the agreement of the owners of the land, remain in possession of any land under this article-
- (a) in the case of any land specified in columns (1) and (2) of Schedule 4 (land of which temporary possession may be taken), after the end of the period of one year beginning with the date of completion of the works specified in relation to that land in column (3) of Schedule 4; or
- (b) in the case of the relevant land, after the end of the period of one year beginning with the date of completion of the works for which temporary possession of the land was taken unless Network Rail has, before the end of that period, served a notice of entry under section 11 of the 1965 Act or made a declaration under section 4 of the 1981 Act.
(4) Before giving up possession of land of which temporary possession has been taken under this article, Network Rail must remove all temporary works and restore the land to the reasonable satisfaction of the owners of the land, but Network Rail is not required to-
- (a) replace a building removed under this article; or
- (b) restore the land on which any works have been constructed under paragraph (1)(d).
(5) Network Rail must pay compensation to the owners and occupiers of land of which temporary possession is taken under this article for any loss or damage arising from the exercise in relation to the land of the powers conferred by this article.
(6) Any dispute as to a person's entitlement to compensation under paragraph (5), or as to the amount of the compensation, is to be determined as if it were a dispute under Part 1 of the 1961 Act.
(7) Without affecting article 17 (no double recovery), nothing in this article affects any liability to pay compensation under section 10(2)( a ) (further provision as to compensation for injurious affection) of the 1965 Act or under any other enactment in respect of loss or damage arising from the execution of any works, other than loss or damage for which compensation is payable under paragraph (5).
(8) The powers of compulsory acquisition of land conferred by this Order do not apply in relation to the land referred to in paragraph (1)(a) except that Network Rail is not precluded from acquiring new rights over any land specified in Schedule 3 (land in which only new rights etc., may be acquired) under article 6 (power to acquire new rights).
(9) Where Network Rail takes possession of land under this article, it is not required to acquire the land or any interest in it.
(10) Section 13( b )(refusal to give possession to acquiring authority) of the 1965 Act applies to the temporary use of land under this article to the same extent as it applies to the acquisition of land under this Order by virtue of article 4(1) (application of Part 1 of the 1965 Act).
(11) Paragraph (1)(a)(ii) does not authorise Network Rail to take temporary possession of-
- (a) any dwelling house; or
- (b) any building (other than a dwelling house) if it is for the time being occupied.
(12) In this article 'the relevant land' means any land within the Order limits other than the land specified in columns (1) and (2) of Schedule 3 (land in which only new rights etc., may be acquired) or in columns (1) and (2) of Schedule 5 (land which may be used for oversailing) to this Order.
Article 7 details the power to take temporary possession of land for construction works related to the authorised project.
This includes land specified in Schedule 4, or 'relevant land' where no formal acquisition notice has been served, allowing Network Rail to enter, remove vegetation, and build both temporary and permanent works.
Network Rail must give 14 days’ notice before entry.
Possession must end one year after the relevant work is completed, unless a standard acquisition notice is served before that time. When leaving, Network Rail must restore the land to the owner's satisfaction, except for the ground beneath permanent works.
Compensation is mandatory for loss or damage.
Importantly, taking temporary possession does not force Network Rail to acquire the land interest, and standard rights of entry provisions from the 1965 Act apply.
Temporary possession cannot be taken of occupied buildings or dwelling houses, nor of land where only new rights may be acquired (Schedule 3) or oversailing rights apply (Schedule 5).
Temporary use of land for oversailing
- -(1) Network Rail may enter upon and use the land, and the airspace above the surface of the land, specified in columns (1) and (2) of Schedule 5 (land which may be used for oversailing) for the oversailing of cranes used by Network Rail in connection with the authorised works.
(2) The power under paragraph (1) is exercisable on giving at least 7 days' notice to the owners and occupiers of the land.
(3) Network Rail may not, without the agreement of the owners of the land, use airspace above the surface of the land as mentioned in paragraph (1) after the end of 7 days beginning with the date of completion of the activities for which the crane has been used.
(4) Network Rail must pay compensation to the owners and occupiers of land to which paragraph (1) applies for any loss or damage arising from the exercise of the power conferred by that paragraph.
(5) Any dispute as to a person's entitlement to compensation under paragraph (4), or as to the amount of compensation, is to be determined as if it were a dispute under Part 1 of the 1961 Act.
(6) Section 13 (refusal to give possession to acquiring authority) of the 1965 Act applies to the temporary use of land under this article to the same extent as it applies to the compulsory acquisition of land under this Order by virtue of article 4 (application of Part 1 of the 1965 Act).
Article 8 permits Network Rail to use the airspace above specified land (detailed in Schedule 5) for the purpose of 'oversailing' cranes during construction.
This requires at least seven days' notice to owners and occupiers.
This right to use the airspace ceases seven days after the crane operation ends, unless the landowner agrees otherwise. Compensation must be paid for any loss or damage resulting from this use, with disputes handled under the 1961 Act procedures.
Refusal to allow oversailing is subject to the general enforcement powers under Section 13 of the 1965 Act.
Temporary use of land for maintenance of works
- -(1) Subject to paragraph (2), at any time during the maintenance period relating to the authorised works, Network Rail may-
- (a) enter upon and take temporary possession of any land within the Order limits if such possession is reasonably required for the purpose of maintaining the works or any ancillary works connected with them; and
- (b) construct such temporary works (including the provision of means of access) and buildings on the land as may be reasonably necessary for that purpose.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not authorise Network Rail to take temporary possession of-
- (a) any house or garden belonging to a house;
- (b) any building (other than a house) if it is for the time being occupied; or
- (c) any land specified in column (2) of Schedule 3 (acquisition of land) (but without affecting the power to acquire rights under article 7(2) (power to acquire new rights) in relation to that land).
(3) Not less than 14 days before entering upon and taking temporary possession of land under this article Network Rail must serve notice of the intended entry on the owners and occupiers of the land.
(4) Network Rail may only remain in possession of land under this article for so long as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the maintenance works for which possession of the land was taken.
(5) Before giving up possession of land of which temporary possession has been taken under this article, Network Rail must remove all temporary works and restore the land to the reasonable satisfaction of the owners of the land.
(6) Network Rail must pay compensation to the owners and occupiers of land of which temporary possession is taken under this article for any loss or damage arising from the exercise in relation to the land of the powers conferred by this article.
(7) Any dispute as to a person's entitlement to compensation under paragraph (6), or as to the amount of the compensation, is to be determined under Part 1 of the 1961 Act.
(11) In this article-
- (a) 'the maintenance period', in relation to the authorised works, means the period of 5 years beginning with the date on which the work is opened for use; and
Article 9 grants Network Rail the right to take temporary possession of land within the Order limits during the 'maintenance period' (defined as five years starting when the works open for use) if needed for maintenance.
This includes constructing temporary access and buildings for maintenance purposes.
However, this power excludes occupied buildings, houses, their gardens, and land designated in Schedule 3 (where only new rights may be acquired).
Network Rail must give 14 days' notice and must restore the land to the owner's satisfaction upon leaving, and must pay compensation for damage incurred.
Possession must cease as soon as the necessary maintenance is complete.
This temporary possession does not mandate a permanent acquisition of the land interest.
Compensation
Disregard of certain interests and improvements
- -(1) In assessing the compensation payable to any person on the acquisition from that person of any land under this Order, the tribunal must not take into account-
- (a) any interest in land; or
- (b) any enhancement of the value of any interest in land by reason of any building erected, works executed or improvement or alteration made on the relevant land,
if the tribunal is satisfied that the creation of the interest, the erection of the building, the execution of the works or the making of the improvement or alteration was not reasonably necessary and was undertaken with a view to obtaining compensation or increased compensation.
(2) In paragraph (1) 'relevant land' means the land acquired from the person concerned or any other land with which he that person is, or was at the time when the building was erected, the works executed or the improvement or alteration made, directly or indirectly concerned.
Article 10 restricts the assessment of compensation payable for land acquisition.
The Tribunal must disregard any enhancement in the land's value resulting from new buildings, works, or improvements if those actions were taken purely to inflate the compensation claim rather than being reasonably necessary.
'Relevant land' is defined broadly; it covers the acquired land itself or any adjacent land with which the claimant was connected when the speculative works were carried out.
Supplementary
Extinction or suspension of private rights of way
- -(1) Subject to paragraph (6), all private rights of way over land subject to compulsory acquisition under this Order are extinguished-
- (a) as from the date of acquisition of the land by Network Rail, whether compulsorily or by agreement; or
(b) on the date of entry on the land by Network Rail under section 11(1) of the 1965 Act, whichever is the sooner.
(2) Subject to paragraph (6), all private rights of way over land owned by Network Rail which, being within the Order limits, are required for the purposes of this Order are extinguished on the appropriation of the land for any of those purposes by Network Rail.
(3) Subject to paragraph (6), all private rights of way over land of which Network Rail takes temporary possession under this Order are suspended and unenforceable for as long as Network Rail remains in lawful possession of the land.
(4) Any person who suffers loss by the extinguishment or suspension of any private right of way under this article is entitled to compensation to be determined, in case of dispute, as if it were a dispute under Part 1 of the 1961 Act.
(6) Paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) have effect subject to-
- (a) any notice given by Network Rail before the completion of the acquisition of the land, Network Rail's appropriation of it, Network Rail's entry onto it or Network Rail taking temporary possession of it that any or all of those paragraphs do not apply to any right of way specified in the notice; and
- (b) any agreement made (whether before or after any of the events mentioned in sub paragraph (a) and before or after the coming into force of this Order) which makes reference to this article between Network Rail and the person in or to whom the right of way in question is vested or belongs.
Article 11 addresses the stoppage of private rights of way (like footpaths or easements) affected by the project.
Rights of way over land acquired by Network Rail are extinguished immediately upon acquisition or entry, whichever happens first.
Rights over land already owned by Network Rail but needed for diversion are extinguished upon appropriation.
Rights of way over land where only temporary possession is taken are suspended while Network Rail is in possession.
Compensation is available for losses caused by extinguishment or suspension, determined under 1961 Act rules.
However, these extinguishments or suspensions can be avoided if Network Rail specifically issues a notice stating they will not apply, or if there is a prior agreement with the person holding the right of way.
Accommodation crossing
- -(1) Subject to paragraph (2) and regardless of anything in section 68 (accommodation works by the Company) of the Railways Clauses Consolidation Act 1845( b ) as incorporated in the Midland Railway (Leicester and Hitchin) Act 1853 or any other enactment or instrument, all public or private rights of way (if any) across the railway by means of Bridge 34 in the district of North Northamptonshire in the County of Northamptonshire are extinguished within the Order limits.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not take effect with respect to the extinguishment of any private right of way by means of the bridge specified in paragraph (1) until a substitute private right of way by means of a realigned bridge has been provided.
(3) Any person who suffers loss by the extinguishment of any private right of way under this article is entitled to compensation to be determined, in case of dispute, as if it were a dispute under Part 1 of the 1961 Act.
Article 12 specifically deals with rights of way crossing the railway at Bridge 34 in North Northamptonshire. It extinguishes all public or private rights of crossing there, overriding earlier railway acts.
Crucially, the extinguishment of any private right of way at Bridge 34 can only take effect once Network Rail has provided a replacement right of way via a realigned bridge.
Compensation is payable for any loss suffered, determined via the 1961 Act process if disputed.
Time limit for exercise of powers of acquisition
- -(1) After the end of the period of 5 years beginning on the day on which this Order comes into force-
- (a) no notice to treat is to be served under Part 1 of the 1965 Act as applied to the acquisition of land by article 4 (application of part 1 of the 1965 Act); and
- (b) no declaration is to be executed under section 4 (execution of declaration) of the 1981 Act( a ) as applied by article 5 (application of the 1981 Act).
(2) The powers conferred by article 7 (temporary use of land for construction of works) cease at the end of the period referred to in paragraph, except that nothing in this paragraph prevents Network Rail remaining in possession of land after the end of that period, if the land was entered and possession was taken before the end of that period.
Article 13 sets a hard deadline for compulsory acquisition activities.
Network Rail loses its powers to serve a Notice to Treat (under the 1965 Act) or execute a General Vesting Declaration (under the 1981 Act) five years after the Order commenced.
Powers for temporary construction use (Article 7) also expire after this five-year window.
However, if Network Rail has already lawfully entered land for temporary construction before the deadline, it can remain in possession thereafter for the duration specified in Article 7.
PART 3
MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL
- The provisions of Schedule 6 (provisions relating to statutory undertakers etc.) have effect.
Article 14 introduces Part 3, which covers general administrative matters, stating that the specific rules concerning statutory undertakers (bodies like utility companies whose apparatus might be in the way) are detailed in Schedule 6.
- Network Rail must, as soon as practicable after the making of this Order, submit copies of the book of reference and the deposited plans to the Secretary of State for certification that they are, respectively, true copies of the book of reference and the deposited plans referred to in this Order; and a document so certified is admissible in any proceedings as evidence of the contents of the document of which it is a copy.
Article 15 requires Network Rail to formally submit the deposited plans and the book of reference to the Secretary of State for certification immediately after the Order is made.
Any copy properly certified becomes admissible as evidence in legal proceedings, confirming its authenticity.
- -(1) A notice or other document required or authorised to be served for the purposes of this Order may be served-
- (a) by post; or
- (b) with the consent of the recipient and subject to paragraphs (6) to (8) by electronic transmission.
(5) Where a notice or other document is served or sent by electronic transmission the requirement is taken to be fulfilled where the recipient of the notice or other document to be transmitted has given consent to the use of electronic transmission either in writing or by electronic transmission.
(6) Where the recipient of a notice or other document served or sent by electronic transmission notifies the sender within 7 days of receipt that the recipient requires a paper copy of all or part of that notice or other document the sender must provide such a copy as soon as reasonably practicable.
Article 16 sets out the rules for serving legal notices related to the Order, permitting service by post or, if the recipient consents, by electronic transmission.
Consent for electronic service must be explicit, either written or transmitted electronically.
If a recipient prefers a physical copy, they must request it within seven days of receiving an electronic document, and the sender must comply promptly.
If the recipient's address is unknown after reasonable inquiry, service can be achieved via conspicuous affixation to the land.
- Compensation is not payable in respect of the same matter both under this Order and under any other enactment, any contract or any rule of law.
Article 17 prevents 'double recovery.' A person cannot receive separate compensation payments for the exact same loss or damage if that loss is covered both by the provisions within this Order and by another piece of legislation, a contract, or common law rules.
- Any difference under any provision of this Order, unless otherwise provided for, must be referred to and settled by a single arbitrator to be agreed between the parties or, failing agreement, to be appointed on the application of either party (after giving notice in writing to the other) by the President of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Article 18 establishes the default dispute resolution mechanism.
Unless the Order specifies a different method, any unresolved disagreement must be settled by a single arbitrator.
If the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator, either party can ask the President of the Institution of Civil Engineers to appoint one after giving written notice to the other side.
Signed by the authority of the Secretary of State for Transport
10th February 2026
Natasha Kopola Head of Transport and Works Act Orders Unit Department for Transport
This section legally authenticates the Order, showing it was signed for the Secretary of State for Transport on February 10th, 2026, by Natasha Kopola, the Head of the Transport and Works Act Orders Unit.
SCHEDULES
Schedule 1 - AUTHORISED WORKS
MODIFICATION OF COMPENSATION AND COMPULSORY PURCHASING ENACTMENTS FOR CREATION OF NEW RIGHTS Schedule 2 Schedule 3 - LAND IN WHICH ONLY NEW RIGHTS ETC., MAY BE ACQUIRED Schedule 4 - LAND OF WHICH TEMPORARY POSSESSION MAY BE TAKEN Schedule 5 - LAND WHICH MAY BE USED FOR OVERSAILING
Schedule 6 - PROVISIONS RELATING TO STATUTORY UNDERTAKERS ETC.
This lists the six schedules that provide the essential details and legal modifications referenced in the main body of the Order, covering the works themselves, compensation procedures, specific land uses, and statutory undertaker requirements.
In the following table-
'the 1853 Act' means the Midland Railway (Leicester and Hitchin) Act 1853( a );
'the 1864 Act' means the Midland Railway (New Lines and Additional Powers) Act 1864( b );
'the 1845 Clauses Act' means the Railways Clauses Consolidation Act 1845( c ).
| (1) Number of land shown on the deposited plans | (2) Purpose for which land may be acquired | (3) Authorising Act | |---------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1-001 to 1-003 | Access for maintenance of Midland Railway | Section 16 of the 1845 Clauses Act as incorporated with the 1864 Act | | 2-001 and 2-002 | Embankment works associated with reconstruction of Pipewell Road Bridge | Section 16 of the 1845 Clauses Act as incorporated with the 1853 Act | | 3-001 and 3-002 | Acquisition of rights relating to realigned Newtons Bridge | Section 16 of the 1845 Clauses Act as incorporated with the 1853 Act | | 4-001 to 4-016 | Reconstruction of Bridge 34 | Section 16 of the 1845 Clauses Act as incorporated with the 1853 Act | | 5-001, 5-002 and 5-004 to 5-006 | Works associated with reconstruction of Glen Station Road Bridge | Section 16 of the 1845 Clauses Act as incorporated with the 1853 Act |
Schedule 1 defines the 'Authorised Works' by cross-referencing plot numbers from the deposited plans with the specific purpose of the acquisition and the historical railway legislation that authorises the work.
For example, plots 4-001 to 4-016 are required for the reconstruction of Bridge 34.
This schedule links the physical land requirements directly to the legal power under which they are authorised, often involving sections of the Railways Clauses Consolidation Act 1845 as previously incorporated into earlier local Acts.
SCHEDULE 2
Article 6
MODIFICATION OF COMPENSATION AND COMPULSORY PURCHASING ENACTMENTS FOR CREATION OF NEW RIGHTS
Compensation enactments
The enactments for the time being in force with respect to compensation for the compulsory purchase of land apply with the necessary modifications as respects compensation in the case of a compulsory acquisition under this Order of a right by the creation of a new right as they apply as respects compensation on the compulsory purchase of land and interests in land.
-(1) Without limitation on the scope of paragraph 1, the 1961 Act has effect subject to the following modification set out in sub-paragraph (2).
(2) For section 5A(5A) (relevant valuation date) of the 1961 Act substitute-
'(5A) If-
(a) the acquiring authority enter on land for the purposes of exercising a right in pursuance of a notice of entry under section 11(1) of the 1965 Act (as modified by paragraph 5(5) of Schedule 2 to the Network Rail (Kettering to Wigston South Junction and Napsbury Lane) (Land Acquisition) Order 2026 ('the 2026 Order')); (b) the acquiring authority is subsequently required by a determination under paragraph 12 of Schedule 2A to the 1965 Act (as substituted by paragraph 5(8) of Schedule 2 to the 2015 Order) to acquire an interest in the land; and (c) the acquiring authority enter on and takes possession of that land,
the authority is deemed for the purposes of subsection (3)(a) to have entered on that land when it entered on that land for the purpose of exercising that right.'.
- -(1) Without limitation on the scope of paragraph 1, the Land Compensation Act 1973( a ) has effect subject to the modifications set out in sub-paragraph (2).
(2) In section 44(1) (compensation for injurious affection), as it applies to compensation for injurious affection under section 7 (measure of compensation in case of severance) of the 1965 Act as substituted by paragraph 5(3)-
- (a) for the words 'land is acquired or taken from' substitute 'a right over land is purchased'; and
- (b) for the words 'acquired or taken from him' substitute 'over which the right is exercisable'.
Schedule 2 details how compensation laws apply when Network Rail acquires only a right or easement, rather than full ownership, under Article 6.
Standard compensation enactments generally apply but require necessary modifications.
For the Land Compensation Act 1961, the relevant valuation date for compensation purposes is adjusted: it is deemed to be the date of initial entry for exercising the right, or the date possession is taken if a subsequent determination requires full acquisition, ensuring compensation is assessed appropriately if a right acquisition escalates to full purchase.
The application of the Land Compensation Act 1973 regarding injurious affection (damage caused by severance) is modified: phrases referencing 'land acquired or taken' are changed to refer to 'a right over land purchased'.
Application of Part 1 of the 1965 Act
- Part 1 (compulsory purchase under Acquisition of Land Act 1946) of the 1965 Act, as applied by article 4 (application of Part 1 of the 1965 Act) to the acquisition of land under article 3 (power to acquire land), applies to the compulsory acquisition of rights under article 6(1) or (2) (power to acquire new rights)-
- (a) with the modification specified in paragraph 5; and
- (b) with such other modifications as may be necessary.
- -(1) The modifications referred to in paragraph 4(a) are as follows.
(2) References in the 1965 Act to land are, in the appropriate contexts, to be read (according to the requirements of the particular context) as referring to, or as including references to-
- (a) the right acquired or to be acquired; or
- (b) the land over which the right is or is to be exercisable.
(3) For section 7 (measure of compensation in the case of severance) of the 1965 Act substitute-
'7. In assessing the compensation to be paid by the acquiring authority under this Act regard must be had not only to the extent (if any) to which the value of the land over which the right is to be acquired is depreciated by the acquisition of the right, but also to the damage (if any) to be sustained by the owner of the land by reason of its severance from other land of the owner, or injuriously affecting that other land by the exercise of the powers conferred by this or the special Act.'.
(5) Section 11( a )(powers of entry) of the 1965 Act is modified so as to secure that, where the acquiring authority has served notice to treat in respect of any right, as well as the notice of entry required by subsection (1) of that section (as it applies to a compulsory acquisition under article 13(1)), it has power, exercisable in the equivalent circumstances and subject to the equivalent conditions, to enter for the purpose of exercising that right; and sections 11A( b )(powers of entry: further notices of entry), 11B( c ) (counter-notice requiring possession to be taken on specified date), 12( d ) (unauthorised entry) and 13( e )(refusal to give possession to acquiring authority) of the 1965 Act are modified correspondingly.
Paragraph 4 confirms that the existing application of the 1965 Act (for land acquisition) also covers the acquisition of new rights, subject to specific modifications in paragraph 5.
These modifications ensure that references to 'land' in the 1965 Act are read contextually as referring either to the 'right' acquired or the 'land over which the right is exercisable.' The clause calculating compensation for severance (Section 7) is entirely substituted to focus on the depreciation of the land's value due to the right, and the damage caused by severance or injurious affection to other land.
Furthermore, powers of entry (Section 11 and related sections) are adapted so that Network Rail can enter to exercise the right it has served notice to treat for, subject to corresponding conditions.
(8) For Schedule 2A to the 1965 Act substitute-
'SCHEDULE 2A
COUNTER-NOTICE REQUIRING PURCHASE OF LAND
Introduction
- This Schedule applies where an acquiring authority serves a notice to treat in respect of a right over the whole or part of a house, building or factory.
Counter-notice requiring purchase of land
- A person who is able to sell the house, building or factory ('the owner') may serve a counter-notice requiring the authority to purchase the owner's interest in the house, building or factory.
Response to counter-notice
- On receiving a counter-notice, the authority must decide whether to-
- (a) withdraw the notice to treat,
- (b) accept the counter-notice, or
- (c) refer the counter-notice to the Upper Tribunal.
Determination by Upper Tribunal
- On a referral under paragraph 7, the Upper Tribunal must determine whether the acquisition of the right would-
- (a) in the case of a house, building or factory, cause material detriment to the house, building or factory, or
- (b) in the case of a park or garden, seriously affect the amenity or convenience of the house to which the park or garden belongs.
- If The Upper Tribunal determines that the acquiring authority ought to be required to take some or all of the house, building or factory, the compulsory purchase order and the notice to treat are to have effect as if they included the owner's interest in that land.
The process for a landowner to compel Network Rail to acquire more than just a right (i.e., acquire the whole property) when a notice to treat for a right over a house, building, or factory is received is detailed here by substituting Schedule 2A of the 1965 Act.
The owner has 28 days to serve a counter-notice.
Network Rail must respond within three months, deciding whether to withdraw the notice, accept the counter-notice, or refer the matter to the Upper Tribunal.
The Tribunal assesses if acquiring only the right would cause 'material detriment' to a building or seriously affect a park/garden's amenity.
If it determines the authority should take the whole interest, the required acquisition is expanded accordingly.
SCHEDULE 3
Article 6
LAND IN WHICH ONLY NEW RIGHTS ETC., MAY BE ACQUIRED
| (1) Area | (2) Number of land shown on the deposited plans | (3) Purpose for which rights may be acquired | |---|---|---| | County of Hertfordshire District of St. Albans | 1-001 and 1-002 | Provision of access for maintenance of the Midland Mainline Railway | | County of Northamptonshire District of North Northamptonshire | 3-001 and 3-002 | Easement for realigned bridge and approaches |
Schedule 3 specifically lists plots (1-001, 1-002 in Hertfordshire; 3-001, 3-002 in Northamptonshire) where Network Rail's power is restricted solely to acquiring new rights, such as easements for maintenance access or bridge realignment approaches, as established under Article 6.
SCHEDULE 4
Article 7
LAND OF WHICH TEMPORARY POSSESSION MAY BE TAKEN
| (1) Area | (2) Number of land shown on the deposited plans | (3) Purpose for which temporary possession may be taken | |---|---|---| | County of Northamptonshire District of North Northamptonshire | 4-001 to 4-003, 4-005, 4-010, 4-011, 4-015 and 4-016 | Worksite and access associated with the reconstruction of Bridge 34 |
Schedule 4 identifies the specific land parcels in North Northamptonshire required for temporary possession under Article 7.
These areas are designated to be used as worksites and access points specifically linked to the reconstruction of Bridge 34.
SCHEDULE 5
Article 8
LAND WHICH MAY BE USED FOR OVERSAILING
| (1) Area | (2) Number of land shown on the deposited plans | (3) Purpose for which oversailing or access may be taken | |---|---|---| | County of Northamptonshire District of North Northamptonshire | 4-004 and 4-008 | Oversailing of cranes associated with the reconstruction of Bridge 34 |
Schedule 5 lists plots 4-004 and 4-008 in North Northamptonshire, which are designated for the temporary use of airspace above them for the oversailing of construction cranes during the reconstruction of Bridge 34, as authorised by Article 8.
SCHEDULE 6
Article 14
PROVISIONS RELATING TO STATUTORY UNDERTAKERS ETC.
- -(1) Sections 271 to 274( a )(power to extinguish rights of statutory undertakers etc. and power of statutory undertakers etc. to remove or re-site apparatus) of the 1990 Act apply in relation to any land acquired or appropriated by Network Rail under this Order subject to the following provisions of this paragraph; and all such other provisions of that Act as apply for the purposes of those provisions (including sections 275 to 278, which contain provisions consequential on the extinguishment of any rights under sections 271 and 272, and sections 279(2) to (4), 280 and 282( b ).
(2) In the provisions of the 1990 Act, as applied by sub-paragraph (1), references to the appropriate Minister are references to the Secretary of State.
(3) Where any apparatus of public utility undertakers or of a public communications provider is removed in pursuance of a notice or order given or made under section 271, 272 or 273 of the 1990 Act, as applied by sub-paragraph (1), any person who is the owner or occupier of premises to which a supply was given from that apparatus is entitled to recover from Network Rail compensation in respect of expenditure reasonably incurred by that person, in consequence of the removal, for the purpose of effecting a connection between the premises and any other apparatus from which a supply is given.
Schedule 6 applies sections 271 to 274 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which govern the removal or re-siting of apparatus belonging to statutory undertakers (like utility companies) when land is acquired or appropriated under this Order.
All references to the 'appropriate Minister' in those sections are deemed to be references to the Secretary of State.
If Network Rail causes utility or communications apparatus to be removed, owners or occupiers of connected premises can claim compensation from Network Rail for the reasonable expenditure needed to reconnect their premises to an alternative supply.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Order)
Order confers powers on Network Rail Infrastructure Limited to acquire compulsorily land and rights in land and to use land temporarily in connection with the electrification and improvement of the Midland Mainline railway between Kettering and Wigston South Junction and a right of access to that railway at Napsbury Lane in St Albans.
Copies of the deposited plans and the book of reference referred to in the Order may be inspected at the offices of the Company Secretary and Solicitor to Network Rail Infrastructure Limited at Network Rail National Records Centre, Unit 5, Audax Road, Clifton Moor, York, YO30 4US.
The Explanatory Note confirms the Order's main function: granting Network Rail compulsory purchase powers over land and rights necessary for the Midland Mainline electrification and improvement project, including Napsbury Lane access.
It also specifies where the public can inspect the official deposited plans and book of reference detailing the affected land parcels.