To approve the appointment of BGS to undertake minerals mapping as required.

b)    by virtue of this decision report, an exemption to paragraph 4.6.13.2c of the council’s contract procedure rules be granted for the reasons set out in paragraphs 2, 8 and 9 of the report below.

1.    The update to the minerals resources map will help to ensure a comprehensive evidence base is in place to help prepare the minerals and waste local plan.  The BGS are best placed to undertake the update in a timely and comprehensive manner.

1.    The preparation of the minerals and waste local plan could continue without the benefit of an update to the minerals resources map for Herefordshire.  However, such an option is not recommended as this would result in a significant gap in the evidence base supporting the plan.  An independent inspector has previously criticised the existing evidence which supports planning policy in the county and an update as suggested is recommended to help demonstrate the soundness of the emerging local plan.

2.    Alternative providers of the survey work could be sought.  However, in the case of the BGS, they have undertaken the update to the minerals resources map for the entire country with the exception of the western and northern parts of Herefordshire.  Given the expertise of BGS, together with the need to ensure consistency across the county, it is recommended that in this instance exemption to paragraph 4.6.13.2c of the council’s contract procedure rules be granted.  In addition, the BGS have agreed to partially fund the survey work.