Purpose

To seek approval for a 2 Phase procurement
process, via the Chest.
 
Initially, to select a competent contractor to
propose and plan a suitable methodology for works, on the Hightown
frontage, and assist the council in acquiring the relevant
permissions (Phase 1).
 
Once the permissions are in place, award Phase
2 to the (Phase 1) contractor, implementing the proposed plan and
methodology.

Decision

Decision(s):
 

(1)

the tender process to procure a Natural Flood
Management scheme for Hightown via the Chest be approved; and
 

(2)

the Assistant Director for
Operational In-House Services be delegated responsibility to
award the contract to the preferred bidder.
 

 
Reason(s) for the
Decision(s):
 
In compliance with Sefton Council’s
Contract Procedure Rule 1.10.1, a Pre-Procurement Report is
required to be submitted in order to secure approval to commence a
procurement exercise.
 
The Hightown frontage is located within
management unit 8/3 of the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) for
Sub-cell 11a (Great Orme, Llandudno to Formby Point), which was
adopted by Sefton Council in 2000.
 
The policy for Management Unit 8/3 in the
Shoreline Management Plan is Hold the Line - maintain/replace. The
summary management approach for the Hightown to mouth of the River
Alt (east bank) 11A8.3 is:
 
Maintain dunes that provide protection to
properties in Hightown and Canalised Section of the Alt. Altmouth
pumping station is an Environment Agency operated asset that pumps
water from the River Alt catchment. Environment Agency will
consider maintenance activities, in the form of survey and sediment
removal, where it supports pumping station operation and
efficiency, within the limitations of funding and environmental
constraints which are challenging at this location.
 
The FCERM team have been monitoring the
erosion rates on Hightown beach and dunes as part of the Northwest
Coastal Monitoring Programme and commissioned a study to recommend
actions to mitigate the observed erosion.
 
Alternative Options
Considered and Rejected
 

Do Nothing – allow the coast
to erode and increase the risk to nearby properties 

 

Do minimum- continue to monitor the
changes and only intervene when properties are at imminent risk
with the potential loss of coastal sand dunes buffer
system.