South West councils launch tender for support on major projects

A group of councils in Somerset has launched a tender for legal support on a range of major infrastructure projects, including for a new generation of nuclear power stations.

The consortium – whose main members are Sedgemoor District Council, West Somerset Council and Somerset County Council – requires legal advice “during the planning applications and development consent order process for public and private sector projects”.

In addition to nuclear power stations, this is expected to cover projects across the South West including changes to National Grid infrastructure and the proposed Severn Barrage, and National Grid’s Hinkley Point C connection project.

“Local infrastructure projects such as the proposed Parret Barrier may also require support,” the councils said.

The contract will be made available to other South West authorities and partners in procurement who want to participate in the arrangement. These are likely to include district councils, county councils and unitary authorities affected by proposals such as Hinkley Point and the alignment of the Hinkley Seabank Corridor.

It will also be made available to Avon & Somerset Constabulary, the Avon Fire and Rescue Service, the University of Bristol, the University of the West of England, the University of Bath, and NHS trusts in the Bristol area.

It is envisaged that a minimum number of 16 operators will be invited to tender.