(1)The powers conferred by sections 17 and 19 for the compulsory acquisition of land and new rights shall cease after five years beginning on the date on which this Act comes into force.
(2)The powers conferred by sections 17, 18 and 19 for the compulsory acquisition of such land and servitudes or other rights shall, for the purpose of this section, be deemed to have been exercised in relation to any land, servitude or right if before the expiry of five years beginning on the date on which this Act comes into force—
(a)notice to treat has been served; or
(b)a declaration has been executed under paragraph 1 of Schedule 15 to the 1997 Act in respect of that land, servitude or right.