Decision

To approve, award and enter into a contract with Iceni Projects Ltd for the preparation of a Local Housing Needs Assessment (LHNA) and Economic Development Needs
Assessment (EDNA), and any additional consultancy support required in relation to this including associated evidence updates and technical support to assist Wiltshire Council in the preparation of the Wiltshire Local Plan through to adoption (2029)

Reasons for the decision

Wiltshire Council is progressing the preparation of the Wiltshire Local Plan incorporating the minerals and waste plans and published its timetable in line with legislation on 30 June 2026, with the Plan programmed for adoption 2029. To meet this timetable and ensure the necessary robust evidence is prepared to inform the Plan specialist consultancy support is
required.

The National Planning Policy Framework requires local planning authorities to assess both housing and economic development needs as part of Local Plan preparation and to ensure that its policies are informed by proportionate and up-to-date evidence. The council therefore
requires updated technical evidence to understand Wiltshire's future housing needs and economic development needs over the plan period expected to extend to 2045.

The council does not have the capacity or necessary skills to do this internally and specialist services are needed as follows.

5. The commission will deliver:
a. A Local Housing Needs Assessment (LHNA), providing evidence on housing need, housing market characteristics and the requirements of different groups within the community.

b. An Economic Development Needs Assessment (EDNA), providing evidence on future employment land and floorspace needs and associated economic development requirements.

c. Ongoing technical support that may be needed throughout the preparation of the Wiltshire Local Plan, including updates to the evidence base where required, advice on consultation representations, preparation of technical notes and supplementary advice, responses to matters raised by the Planning Inspector, attendance at meetings and examination hearing sessions, and expert witness support where necessary.

6. A single specialist consultant (Iceni Projects Ltd) is to be appointed via a direct award procurement route to undertake both studies under one contract. This will help ensure consistency across the evidence base, improve integration between housing and economic forecasts, and provide efficiencies in project management and represent best value for
money.

See the attached document for considerations in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution

Alternative options considered

Option 1: Do not commission the studies and support. Rejected as the council requires an up-to-date evidence base to support Local Plan preparation and examination.

Option 2: Undertake the work in-house. Rejected as the council does not have sufficient specialist capacity and resources available to complete the studies within the required timescales.

Option 3: Commission separate consultants for the LHNA and EDNA. Rejected as a single commission provides greater consistency between housing and economic forecasts, reduces project management requirements and offers better value for money.

Option 4: Commission a single consultant under one contract. Approved as it provides the most efficient, cost-effective and integrated approach to preparing the required evidence base