Section 173 — Warrant authorising use of force to enter and survey land
This version in force from 2021-02-11
Snapshot: 2026-08-24
Reproduced from legislation.gov.uk (Crown Copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0). Amendments made after 2026-08-24 may not be reflected — always check the official text .
(1) A justice of the peace may issue a warrant authorising a person to use force in the exercise of the power conferred by section 172(1) if satisfied—
(a) that another person has prevented or is likely to prevent the exercise of that power, and
(b) that it is reasonable to use force in the exercise of that power.
(2) The force that may be authorised by a warrant is limited to that which is reasonably necessary.
(3) A warrant authorising the person to use force must specify the number of occasions on which the authority can rely on the warrant when entering and surveying or valuing land.
(4) The number specified must be the number which the justice of the peace considers appropriate to achieve the purpose for which the entry and survey or valuation are required.
(5) Any evidence in proceedings for a warrant under this section must be given on oath.