That is, "[t]here must be a present demand for the land for such purpose or a reasonable expectation of such demand in the near future." Id.; Redevelopment Authority of the City of Meridian v. Holsomback, 291 So.2d 712, 714 (Miss. 1974). Moreover, the fact that the property in question was zoned residential is not determinative of whether the court was required to find the highest and best use of the property as residential where there was no reasonable expectation that the property would be so utilized.
"There must be a present demand for the land for such purpose or a reasonable expectation of such demand in the near future." Brooks, 239 Miss. at 317, 123 So.2d at 427; Redevelopment Authority of the City of Meridian v. Holsomback, 291 So.2d 712, 714 (Miss. 1974). ¶ 31. Harris' testimony was neither speculative nor inconsistent with the present zoning of the land.
We have, on numerous occasions, spoken to this issue and have provided a rule addressing it. See Redevelopment Authority of the City of Meridian v. Holsomback, 291 So.2d 712, 714 (Miss. 1974); Mississippi State Highway Commission v. Brooks, 239 Miss. 308, 123 So.2d 423 (1960). We find that the appraisers for Smith, et al, failed to establish the probability that the subject land would either be used within a reasonable time, for commercial purposes or that there was a demand for such property for those purposes.
The trial court refused the Blanchards' request for a jury view given its previous ruling that, based on their failure to respond to discovery requests and comply with the court's orders, the Blanchards would not be permitted to present evidence at trial. The Blanchards point out that our supreme court has previously stated that “it is a better practice to allow the jury to view the premises....” Redevelopment Auth. of Meridian v. Holsomback, 291 So.2d 712, 715 (Miss.1974). While allowing the jury to view the premises in an eminent-domain proceeding constitutes “best practice,” this is only true where “such view may be of assistance to the jury in resolving the conflicts in the evidence relative to the value.”