The Council has been awarded HIF funding to design and deliver new infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of housing at Abbey Barn North (Policy HW4 Wycombe Local Plan, August 2019). The HIF funding is time limited and a key component of delivering the project on time is the need to secure land in a timely manner. The programme to deliver the road access is extremely challenging and any delays could cause funding issues. The Council requires a land representative with expert knowledge in analysing and negotiating land values for purchase (via private treaty or if required CPO). Specialist expertise Specialist local knowledge: Newsteer has been advising the Council on land assembly matters relating to the Abbey Barn Lane Realignment since October 2019 with their advice centred on leading negotiations for the acquisition of third party land required for the project, the construction of compensation budgets and strategic advice in respect of the promotion of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO). It was anticipated that agreement would be reached for the voluntary sale of land required for the project but whilst good progress has been made in acquiring one parcel by private treaty, there is no certainty that agreements will be reached on the other parcels and it will be necessary to proceed with a CPO to ensure the land required is obtained. The waiver is being requested reflecting Newsteer's knowledge of the project, the land requirements of the scheme and the engagement they have had with existing landowners. There has been good progress in acquiring land by agreement with some parties and to change the consultant leading these discussions will result in significant delays and additional cost. This may lead to ultimately not being able to access government funding that is time limited to progress the project. The same applies in respect of the preparation of the necessary CPO documentation. Newsteer's background knowledge to the scheme and the status of negotiations means that they can deliver the work at a lower cost than other consultants who would need to prepare/review background documents, undertake their own valuations and try and pick up on negotiations for the acquisition of land part way through a negotiation. This extensive knowledge and expertise is extremely important as the Council progresses through land discussions, CPO and ultimately a public inquiry to secure the land (Newsteer would input/represent the Council at all of these). The ability to extend Newsteer's appointment will allow work to be continued and progressed immediately and at a lower cost. A benchmarking exercise against other framework rates demonstrates that Newsteer represent good value for money.
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