South Cambridgeshire District Council - Appeals Consultancy Contract

Tender description

South Cambridgeshire is looking to obtain quotations from experienced consultants to conduct appeals on its behalf particularly at public inquiry, though occasionally at hearings. This work is primarily required in order to defend decisions refused by the Council's Planning Committee, though this may also include officer decisions made under the Council's delegated powers procedure. Planning expertise is particularly required in respect of housing proposals given that the Council cannot presently demonstrate an up-to-date housing land supply. The consultant will work as a team with Counsel and other appeal witnesses (e.g. landscape, heritage) and the Council's case manager and support staff, to provide evidence to substantiate the Council's reasons for refusal of the planning application. The work will primarily focus on interpreting national and local planning policy and then to prepare and co-ordinate proofs of evidence and appearing as an expert witness at public inquiry. Alternatively, occasional appearance at hearings may also be required. This extent of the work will be dependent on the number of appeals received and timescales set by the Planning Inspectorate, but is likely to be for a fixed term spread over a twelve month period. The assignments will include an initial analysis of the application, a site visit and conference(s) with Counsel and other key stakeholders, followed by the preparation of evidence and appearance in person. There will also be a need to prepare and manage a risk log and to provide daily feedback once the inquiry has commenced. Due to the nature of Appeals work, SCDC is looking to create a small framework contract and appoint a panel of Consults not that is unlikely to exceed 3 companies.