Decision details

To procure the services of Nigel McGurk to Examine the Brampton Neighbourhood Plan through the Neighbourhood Planning Independent Examiner Referral Service (NPIERS).

The nature of the work is to undertake the independent examination of the Neighbourhood Plan for Brampton, in accordance with the standard consultancy agreement for such work.

The work includes provision of a report on whether the Plan meets basic conditions (as required) and can be ‘Made’, with or without modifications.

The Consultant fee for this work is £750 per day plus expenses to a maximum (without written permission) of 10 days of time input. This may be needed if a hearing is deemed necessary.

The Council will fund this from the Neighbourhood Planning Grant Reserve which comprises Government funding claimed for previous Neighbourhood Planning work. The Council will be able to claim further funding after the revised plan comes into force following examination.

There is agreement from procurement that working through NPIERS to obtain examiners is satisfactory.

The NPIERS Service is managed and administered by RICS to provide quick and easy access to impartial and highly qualified examiners on an 'as needed' basis at a fixed cost.

NPIERS normally provides three examiners who fulfil the criteria of NEDDC’s specification (fulfilling the purpose of a RFQ). They are also available, quality assured and qualified.

The District Council appointment must be with the agreement of the Parish Council (Schedule 4B to the 2011 Localism Act).

To undertake this work internally.

An independent examiner is required.

To not do the work.

The Authority is required to fulfil its responsibilities to consult on, examine, and decide on the making of a Neighbourhood Plan under the 1990 Town and Country Planning Act.

To advertise independently.

This would not necessarily reach more potential examiners, for whom a process of quality assurance and evaluation is required. NPIERS, are an independent agency and provide this quality assurance. They are able to call on a wide range of suitable candidates, who are then independently appointed by the Authority.