73Disposal of land taken

73 Disposal of land taken

(1)  In this section, relevant period means the period of 7 years commencing on the day on which –

(a) the notice of acquisition relating to the land proposed to be sold was published in the Gazette as provided in section 18 or 70 ; or

(b) the notification of acquisition relating to that land was registered as provided in section 18 of the Lands Resumption Act 1957 or the notice of acquisition relating to it was registered as provided in section 17 of the Public Authorities' Land Acquisition Act 1949 .

(2)  Subject to this section, if land that has been taken by an acquiring authority, other than the Crown, under this Act or a corresponding previous enactment is no longer required by the authority for any purpose, the authority –

(a) may sell the land, if authorized to do so by its special Act –

(i) within the period prescribed by that Act; or

(ii) where no period is so prescribed, within the relevant period; or

(b) if not so authorized to sell the land, may sell it, subject to any requirements imposed by any other Act.

(3)  Where –

(a) the Minister proposes to sell land in pursuance of subsection (2) before the relevant period has elapsed; or

(b) an acquiring authority proposes to sell land in accordance with subsection (2) (a) ; or

(c) an acquiring authority proposes to sell land in pursuance of subsection (2) (b) before the relevant period has elapsed –

the Minister or authority shall first offer, by notice in writing, to sell the land –