Discusses the history and contents of the Compulsory Purchase and Compensation Bill, published in December 2002 following the planning green paper and 'daughter' documents. Last year has seen further upheaval for the planning system with the transfer of responsibility to the ODPM and Lord Rooker. Criticism from the profession also prompted government to drop proposals in relation to major infrastructure projects and planning tariffs. The final Bill consists of eight parts and covers England and in part Wales. Regional spatial strategies (RSS) will replace regional planning guidance with the exception of London, and local planning authorities will be obliged to prepare local development schemes. The Bill also introduces wide ranging development control reform, an improved system of compensation, and updates the definition of development. Bill available at www.publications.parliament.uk/.