Decision

To award a contract to Atkins via consultancy+ for specialist transport modelling and scheme identification work to support the Fenland50 Transport Assessment and Local Plan evidence base.

Reasons for the decision

The Planning Service is seeking approval to award a contract to Atkins for specialist transport modelling and scheme identification work to support the Fenland50 Transport Assessment and Local Plan evidence base, at a contract value capped at £145,000.

The commission will provide the technical transport evidence required to support Fenland50, including the development of a Local Plan baseline scenario, testing of growth options, assessment of highway network impacts, identification and testing of mitigation measures, and preparation of high-level scheme designs for agreed transport interventions.

The work must be undertaken using the Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority Model (CaPCAM), which is the relevant strategic transport model for this area. Access to, and use of, CaPCAM is controlled through the County Council and requires the Council to appoint an approved supplier with the necessary model access, technical capability and coding standards. Atkins is an approved supplier able to undertake this modelling work, meaning the Council cannot freely procure from the wider market without risking delay, duplication or incompatibility with the agreed modelling platform.

The Atkins proposal sets out a staged nine-month programme covering inception and mobilisation, baseline and reference case preparation, scenario option testing, mitigation sensitivity testing and design work, and final reporting. The commission will also include an A605 Whittlesey Corridor Assessment, including traffic volume review, assessment of committed and emerging development, flood-related network disruption, pinch-point capacity, deliverability of capacity enhancements, highway authority evidence and corridor resilience.

Atkins is considered the most appropriate approved supplier for this commission because it has the necessary model access and technical expertise to develop and test the CaPCAM scenarios required for the Local Plan evidence base. The proposal also demonstrates a clear understanding of the required outputs, including growth option testing, mitigation testing, high-level scheme design and reporting. Appointing Atkins will reduce mobilisation time, avoid unnecessary duplication of technical work and support the production of robust evidence within the Local Plan timetable.

The Fenland50 Transport Assessment is a critical component of the Local Plan evidence base. It will help demonstrate that the proposed growth strategy is deliverable, that transport impacts have been properly assessed, and that appropriate mitigation and infrastructure interventions can be identified. Delays in commissioning the modelling work would create a significant risk to the Local Plan programme and could weaken the Council’s ability to justify its preferred approach at consultation and examination stages.

.

Alternative options considered

N/A