Decision details

Ipswich Borough is reviewing the Ipswich Local Plan to look ahead to development needed in the Borough up to 2036. As parts of the Borough fall within a flood risk zone defined by the Environment Agency, it is necessary to prepare a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) to inform and support the Local Plan process.

The Council published an SFRA in 2011 and this needs to be reviewed and updated as appropriate, for example to reflect the completion of the Ipswich tidal defence barrier across the New Cut, and any revised sea level rise forecasts. It is a technical area of work and therefore a specialised consultant is needed.

An open tender process has been undertaken in accordance with Contract Standing Orders.

One bid was received from Aecom and the value is £15,100 which has been assessed and concluded to be satisfactory.

To appoint Aecom to undertake the SFRA for the Ipswich Local Plan.

Reason: In order that the Local Plan complies with legislation, and that relevant planning policies and land allocations are considered in light of the most up to date flood risk information.