This article seeks to continue the debate on extending local government compulsory acquisition powers for the assembly of private sector redevelopment sites, termed economic development takings. The United States Supreme Court decision in Kelo v City of New London 545 US 469 (2005) is analysed and criticisms of the American system, including the use of coercive powers, under-compensation of owners, governmental abuse, targeting of minority and low socio-economic groups and the imposition of dignitary harms, are considered. This article examines whether these criticisms may apply to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (UK) and, by extension, an Australian system modelled upon that legislation. It proposes further research to reduce negative impacts of economic development takings including: first, changing how compensation is calculated; secondly, incorporating legislatively defined criteria to measure the direct and indirect public benefits from proposals; and finally, conducting a cost/benefit analysis of implementing relocation assistance, community engagement and public consultation.