South Cambridgeshire District Council - Development Viability 2019

South Cambridgeshire District Council is leading on a joint procurement exercise (between South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council) for an tender for Development Viability on behalf of Greater Cambridge Shared Planning (hereafter known as GCSP). GCSP are seeking to appoint a consultant on a retained basis to provide expert independent advice in respect of development viability appraisals for residential and non-residential developments.

South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council have a number of planning policies directly influencing the viability of development proposals. South Cambridgeshire District Council requires 40% affordable housing on developments of 10 dwellings or more whereas Cambridge City Council requires 25% affordable housing on developments of 11 to 14 dwellings and 40% on developments of 15 dwellings or more.

Notwithstanding the adoption of respective Local Plans in October 2018 it remains the case that some sites are undeliverable with the numerous (and often conflicting) policy requirements that are imposed. . The appointed consultant will work with GCSP planning and housing teams on an ad hoc basis in response to anticipated or actual planning applications, or in relation to the renegotiation of previously agreed section 106 agreements.

The consultant will work with the applicant and their representatives in a remote fashion reporting to GCSP when key decisions or guidance is required. The consultant may be required to represent GCSP as an expert witness at appeal scenarios.

The consultant will be asked to provide a detailed appraisal on residential and mixed use sites. Development appraisals may be required on schemes as little as 10 dwellings up to and exceeding 100 dwellings.

It is considered essential for the consultant to utilise different levels of experience/skills in order to minimise the cost of each project. The staff within your organisation nominated for this work must be of a status appropriate to this type of work, suitably qualified and experienced, with a thorough knowledge of development/infrastructure costs, Section 106 processes including current regulations and law. Close working with GCSP Staff, and possibly Members and community representatives will be required.