e-ITT for the provision of an Economic Needs Assessment on behalf of the New Forest District Council

e-ITT for the provision of an Economic Needs Assessment on behalf of the New Forest District Council

Closing Date for Submission of Tenders

12. NOON, 28th FEBRUARY 2025

to be returned electronically via the Council's e-tendering solution "Pro-Contract" hosted on the South East Business Portal (SEBP)

New Forest District Council and the New Forest National Park Authority ('the Authorities') wish to appoint a suitably qualified consultant, or consultant team with appropriate experience and expertise, to undertake an Economic Needs Assessment for these plan areas. The work being commissioned will form an integral part of the evidence base to be used to inform the economy and employment policies and proposals as part of the Authorities' respective Local Plan reviews.

The focus of the consultants' task will be to make evidence-based recommendations on the likely future need for employment land and premises to inform the Authorities' respective local plans, potential site allocations, and planning policies that support the local economy. This will include collating, where necessary compiling and synthesising different sources and types of information, and applying commercial judgement and local market intelligence. Canvassing the views of local commercial agents will be important in undertaking the assessment.

It is expected that the analysis will examine labour demand, labour supply and property market trends and requirements. It is important that the study meets the evidential requirements of the latest National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, December 2024) and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG), to ensure that employment needs are objectively assessed so they can be planned for in an appropriate way. It is also important that the study is proportionate in methodology and cost, and makes effective use of existing information.

All correspondence is via the Councils e-tendering portal ProContract hosted on the South East Business Portal (SEBP).