Section 4: General functions
13.Section 4 sets out the functions of the ODA. Those functions are to do anything necessary or expedient for the purpose of:
preparing for the London Olympics,
making arrangements in preparation for or in connection with the use or management before, during or after the Games of premises and facilities acquired, constructed or adapted in preparation for the Games, or
ensuring that adequate arrangements are made for the provision, management and control of facilities for transport in connection with the Games.
14.Particulars of those functions are set out in subsection (2). The ODA’s functions include acquiring land (with the consent of the Secretary of State on the basis of the compensation package which would be payable if the land were being acquired compulsorily by an authority empowered to exercise such powers) and disposing of land (which with the consent of the Secretary of State may be at less than might be expected in a commercial transaction at arms-length). The ODA can also apply for, or undertake work in connection with applications for, planning permission and make arrangements for the construction of premises and facilities as well as in relation to utilities, highways, transport systems and facilities. The ODA is enabled to form bodies corporate and to acquire interests in such bodies or in other undertakings.
15.In exercising its functions under this section, the ODA shall, where relevant, have regard to maximising the benefits to be derived after the Games from things done in preparation for them, and contribute to achieving sustainable development.
16.Subsection (5) requires the ODA to compensate anyone whose land is injuriously affected by works executed by the ODA. Any disputes may be referred to the Lands Tribunal, or (subsection (6)), in Scotland, the Lands Tribunal for Scotland.