There are interesting variations between the legislative obligations placed on local government when disposing of vested land to developers in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
In Scotland, the position is governed by section 191 (1-3) of the Town & Country Planning Act (Scotland) 1997, which provides local authorities with a discretionary power to dispose of vested land. Section 191 also imposes a positive obligation upon authorities to secure the best use of the land or works appearing to be needed for the proper planning of the area. It also requires authorities not to dispose of land otherwise than at the best price or on the best terms that can reasonably be obtained.
