In message 01cd1440$d8aa14e0$LocalHost@default, at 00:51:29 on Sat, 7
Apr 2012, Michael R N Dolbear remarked:
Is it not the local, or county, authority that exercise eminent domain
(compulsory purchase)? TfF, Network rail are the beneficiaries?

Too US-centric an assumption. Recall that the trad means of
constructing a new UK railway was to promote a private act of
parliament which allowed compulsory purchase as needed by a new or
existing company.

So it might be TfL or Network Rail or a specially set up company, under
court and Dept of Transport supervision. Same for a pipeline or a toll
motorway.

In the UK it requires whoever is building the new road, tramway etc to
obtain a TWA (Transport and Works Act) Order.

Here is an application for one, from a train company:

http://www.chiltern-evergreen3.co.uk/
--
Roland Perry