Decision details

To approve award of contract for B4069 Lyneham Banks Repairs to Octavius Infrastructure Limited and related documents.

There is a need for a specialist contract to be awarded to deliver the reinstatement of this important route.

Following a procurement exercise in accordance with the ‘Open Procedure’, tenders were obtained and have been assessed in terms of price and quality.

The most advantageous tenders for the Council, taking into account quality and price, should be accepted in accordance with the procurement procedures.

There are robust processes in place to monitor the performance of the successful tenderer and supervise the construction of the scheme
I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the following in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution: (Please insert ‘Yes’/ ‘No’ / ‘Not Applicable’ and any other comments necessary to evidence the issue identified has been addressed)

Key decision requirements: Yes

Views of relevant cabinet member(s), committee chairman, area board(s): Yes, cabinet member is aware of the Lyneham banks project, the current status of the scheme and the progress being made on the project.

Consultation with cabinet member(s), the Leader and Scrutiny (for Executive decisions taken under Emergency Powers): Yes, cabinet member is aware of the Lyneham banks project, the current status of the scheme and the progress being made on the project.

Consultation with the Chief Executive or Corporate Director where appropriate: Yes - decision required by Corporate Member Place
Consultation with local members (as appropriate): Yes - local members were present during the cabinet meeting on the 16 April 2024

Consideration of the area boards and delegated decision checklist for officers on the issue of when and how to involve local councillors and area boards in decisions about local services: Yes – the local area board has been made aware of the Lyneham Banks project, the current status of the scheme and the progress being made on the project.

Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or procedure: Yes – Wiltshire Council is promoter of this project, and this decision helps progress the scheme.

Consultation in accordance with requirements and expectations of consultation with the public: Yes

Range of options available: Yes

Staffing, financial and legal implications: Yes

Evidence of due regard having been given to the Public Sector Equality Duty: Not applicable

Risk assessment: Yes – risk assessments for undertaking the works will form part of the contractor appointment

Involvement of statutory officers and/or directors: Yes – works have and will continue to need the involvement of statutory officers and directors through to completion. This will be managed through the ongoing Lyneham Banks Steering Group meetings.

Regional or national guidance from other bodies: Yes - Regional and national guidance has been taken into consideration throughout the design and procurement of this contract.

The council’s constitution: Yes

This contract is suitable for execution under the e-signature process: No – Legal will be sealing by traditional format.

Options for reinstating the B4069 were considered, including reviewing whether the road does need to be reopened. However, the Council has a duty as Highway Authority to repair the road and not to do so could result in a legal challenge. Various remediation scheme design approaches have been considered including:-

• excavation of the existing ground and replacement with imported fill,
• soil stabilisation by treating the ground,
• construction of a retaining wall,
• construction of bridges to span the landslip area.

Consideration was also given to various procurement options to secure a contractor for the scheme. A single-stage procurement exercise has been undertaken with the tender assessment based on Price (60%) and Quality (40%). This approach is something that the market is familiar with and is often used.