A £60,000 contract is up for grabs to help a council develop its future sport pitch proposals

Shropshire Council has put out for tender a contract which would see a firm help develop its playing pitch strategy under the local development plan.

Firms interested in the contract, which will run from May 13 this year to August 31, 2020, have to apply by next Wednesday (May 1).

The local development plan is the blueprint that will set out the scale and location of the county’s housing and employment growth until 2036.

Developments proposed include at the former Ironbridge Power Station, at sites in and around Oswestry and in Shifnal and Tong and Bridgnorth.

In the contract proposal, the council says: “Shropshire Council wishes to appoint a contractor to undertake a playing pitch strategy for Shropshire.

“The playing pitch strategy will form part of the evidence base for the local plan review.

“It will provide a strategic framework to ensure that the provision of outdoor playing pitches meets the needs of residents (both existing and future) and visitors to the Shropshire Council area.

“It will also support those organisations, including the council, involved in the provision of outdoor sports facilities in the county.

“The strategy will be produced in accordance with Sport England guidance and provide robust and objective justification for future playing pitch provision throughout Shropshire.

“The Playing Pitch Strategy contract will commence on May 13 and the work will need to be completed by August 2020 to comply with the Local Plan Review preparation timetable.”

It adds: “The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs).

“However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.”

To apply, visit shropshire.gov.uk/doing-business-with-us/current-opportunities-for-tendering/view-and-apply-for-current-tenders/