Catherine Luff

I specialise in advising owners and occupiers in respect of compulsory purchase and compensation matters. The types of properties include those within the manufacturing, distribution, retail, office and education sectors. Compensation advice has included negotiations of detailed disturbance claims and claims for the extinguishment of businesses.

I advise clients in the office and retail sectors and, in addition, the education, healthcare and local authority sectors including universities, schools and hospitals in respect of rating, fire insurance and accounting purposes.

MY RECENT PROJECTS

• Poplar HARCA – Residential and retail development – preparing a property cost estimate for the potential developer of existing residential and retail properties in east London. Advising the developer in respect of acquisitions in advance of a compulsory purchase order and on the process of achieving a compulsory purchase order.
• London Borough of Brent – Compensation estimates – preparing estimates of compensation and negotiating agreements for the acquisition of various long leasehold interests on commercial properties on behalf of a London Council in advance of Compulsory Purchase Orders.
• William Hill, Euston – Business extinguishment – assessing and advising on the compensation claim following acquisition of retail premises by HS2 and the resulting extinguishment of the business due to the lack of opportunity to relocate in the local vicinity. This involved analysis of business accounts, formulating and submitting a claim, and negotiating through to settlement.