A report by the Interim Director of Corporate Services sought the Cabinet’s approval to commission external consultants to carry out a Scoping and Outline Stage Water Cycle Study for Wirral and Liverpool.  The Cabinet was asked to agree that Wirral would be the commissioning authority, and the study would be jointly funded to a maximum cost of £50,000, to be divided between Wirral Council and Liverpool City Council on a 50:50 split basis.

The study was deemed necessary to provide an up-to-date evidence base for the preparation of the Core Strategy Development Plan Document, future site-specific land allocations and to comply with the conditions of the designation of the Mersey Heartlands New Growth Point.  External consultants were required because of the specialist nature of the commission.  A joint approach with Liverpool City Council was proposed to achieve economies through joint commissioning and in view of the City Council being a partner in the Mersey Heartlands New Growth Point.  The Study would assess the available physical and environmental capacity in water supply and wastewater infrastructure.  It would also identify wider impacts relating to flooding and wildlife habitats, together with recommendations to resolve any constraints and an evaluation of the implications for future growth.

RESOLVED:

That the commissioning of a joint Water Cycle Study with Liverpool City Council, on the terms set out in the report be agreed.