Local Plan Viability Assessment Contract

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is seeking a consultant to conduct a viability assessment for their Local Plan Review. This assessment aims to evaluate the economic viability and feasibility of a revised Local Plan, ensuring that the costs associated with policies, site requirements, and necessary infrastructure do not hinder the overall deliverability of the plan. The assessment must be thorough enough to support the Local Plan Review as part of the evidence base and be reliable for developers when they submit planning applications for sites included in the Local Plan. Although not part of this contract, consultants should be prepared to provide evidence at the Local Plan Examination, offer expert advice on specific planning applications, and serve as expert witnesses at planning appeals if required by the Council. Tender responses should include index-linked hourly rates for these additional services. The contract is expected to start on August 11, 2025, and will continue until the completion of stage 1 services.