National Highways has issued a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice setting out its intention to procure new contracts for the provision of spatial planning consultancy services, commencing in February 2026.
The contracts will replace the current NEC4 Professional Services Contracts awarded in 2021, which are due to expire in February 2026.
The replacement contracts will also follow the NEC4 Professional Services Contract form and are expected to run for an initial term of five years, with the option to extend by up to three additional years.
The services will support National Highways in its role as a Statutory Consultee in the planning system. The appointed consultants will provide a range of technical services to assist Spatial Planning Teams in responding to planning applications, local plan consultations, and other statutory planning documents.
Scope of work may include:
- Reviewing transport assessments and technical reports submitted by applicants
- Providing expert technical advice on planning matters
- Supporting National Highways at examinations in public and, where required, acting as an expert witness
National Highways is considering a three-lot regional structure - North, Midlands, and South.
Current estimated start and end contract dates are 18 February 2026 to 17 February 2031, with a potential extension option to 17 February 2034.
National Highways are inviting suppliers interested in contributing to the market engagement to submit their responses online by 28th May 2025.
Click here to access the National Highways Microsoft Forms link.
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