Content

The Assistant Director, Planning is asked to
use their delegated authority to authorise the procurement of ICENI
Projects to undertake a Housing Needs Assessment.

Reasons for the decision

The procurement of this evidence base document
is necessary to inform the update to the Local Plan. The update to
the Local Plan was agreed by full Council on 21 February 2024 with
a timetable set out on 27 February 2025.

Alternative options considered

The Council received tenders from one other
consultant in addition to ICENI projects. However, of the two
consultants who submitted tenders, ICENI Projects achieved the
highest overall score in the evaluation, which was appropriately
weighted for quality and price. They submitted an excellent
proposal that gave the evaluation panel confidence as to their
ability, expertise, skills and resources to deliver the
requirements of the project.