“Land is our livelihood”: UFU challenges NI vesting process

Farmers across Northern Ireland are being left “in the lurch” by a compulsory purchase system they no longer trust, according to the Ulster Farmers’ Union, which is now calling for a fundamental overhaul of vesting rules.

Following a meeting with Land and Property Services (LPS), the UFU said too many landowners are facing uncertainty, inadequate compensation and prolonged disruption as land is acquired for infrastructure projects.

Speaking on behalf of the organisation, UFU deputy president John McLenaghan said the principle of development is not the issue — fairness is.

“Farmers do not oppose major infrastructure projects in principle, but they need to be fair for everyone. We recognise that investment in roads, utilities and public amenities is important for us all, however, landowners are not being fairly treated in the process.

“Too many are being left in the lurch without clarity about what the future holds for their farms and families, or what impact it will have on their farm business. That is simply not acceptable.

“Landowners must be considered and treated with respect throughout the process, which has clearly not been the case over many infrastructure projects. That means fair compensation that reflects the real loss and value of the land and ability to replace land, yes, but it also means proper communication, meaningful engagement from the start, practical accommodation works that minimise disruption to farm businesses, and a genuine recognition of the personal and family strain these processes place on farm households.”

What is vesting — and why does it matter?

In Northern Ireland, vesting is the legal process by which a government department or public authority compulsorily acquires land for public infrastructure. Under powers set out in legislation, authorities can take ownership of land needed for roads, utilities, greenways and other schemes, with compensation assessed and paid to the landowner.

According to NI Direct, compulsory purchase allows public bodies to acquire land without the owner’s consent where it is deemed necessary for projects that benefit the wider community. Compensation is payable, and affected landowners have rights to challenge aspects of the process, including the amount awarded.

However, the UFU argues that in practice, the system is too complex, slow and weighted against those whose livelihoods depend on the land being acquired.

“Farmers want transparency”

The Union confirmed it will be writing to the Minister for Infrastructure to request an initial meeting and intends to work constructively with elected representatives and the Department for Infrastructure.

“Farmers want transparency and a system they can trust,” continued Mr McLenaghan.

“What we need is a clearer, easier-to-understand system that reflects the real impact of losing agricultural land. Too many forget that for farmers, land is not just an asset on paper, it is their livelihood.

“When land is taken, the majority want the opportunity to replace it. However, the current system makes this difficult to navigate.”

The deputy president called for an overhaul review of vesting rules across all projects in Northern Ireland.

“That applies not only to major road schemes, but also to greenways and amenity developments, where compulsory vesting should never be the default option,” Mr McLenaghan added. “A fairer, more balanced approach is urgently needed, and we will work in good faith with all parties to achieve that.”

Wider implications

The call comes at a time when infrastructure expansion and environmental projects continue to reshape parts of rural Northern Ireland.

While investment in roads and public amenities is widely regarded as essential, the UFU’s intervention highlights growing tension between public development and private agricultural livelihoods.

For farm families, vesting is not an abstract legal mechanism — it can mean the permanent loss of productive land, fragmentation of holdings and disruption built up over generations.

With the Union now seeking ministerial engagement, pressure is building for a system many farmers say is overdue for reform.