Decision

The Portfolio Holder for Assets, Business Premises, and Environmental Services has decided to appoint Willow Pumps Ltd for the replacement of the Sewage Treatment Works at Fen Road, Guyhirn.

Analysis

outcome: The appointment of Willow Pumps Ltd was approved for a sum of £140,714.90 to complete the detailed design and construction of the replacement works.

summary: The decision involves appointing Willow Pumps Ltd as the Principal Contractor for the replacement of the Sewage Treatment Works at Fen Road, Guyhirn.

topline: The Portfolio Holder for Assets, Business Premises, and Environmental Services has decided to appoint Willow Pumps Ltd for the replacement of the Sewage Treatment Works at Fen Road, Guyhirn.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves a significant capital investment and compliance with legal requirements, which could impact local stakeholders and the environment.

affected_stakeholders: ["Council", "Connected customers", "Environment Agency"]

contentiousness_score: 6

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://www.fenland.gov.uk/localgov/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1007

Decision Maker: Portfolio Holder for Heritage (except Wisbech High Street Inspire! Projects), Assets, FFL, Environmental Services, Business Premises: Health & Safety and Food Safety

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: To agree appointment of Willow Pumps Ltd to undertake role of Principal Contractor to complete detailed design and construction of the proposed replacement works in the sum of £140,714.90.   The Council-owned, managed and operated Sewage Treatment Works at Fen Road, Guyhirn is due for replacement. This asset is over 30 years old and requires a significant capital investment to offer effective service function for the next 25 years for its connected customers; whilst maintaining compliance with the Council’s legal requirements in relation to the Environment Agency Final Effluent Discharge Consent criteria set for this site.   The project delivery has been undertaken in compliance with Council’s Code of Procurement.   Decision Taken: The Portfolio Holder for Assets, Business Premises – Health & Safety & Food Safety, Environmental Services & Heritage to approve the appointment of Willow Pumps Limited as Principal Contractor to undertake detailed Design and Construction (Option 2) for the Fen Road Sewage Treatment Works Replacement Scheme for a sum of £140,714.90.  In 2007, as part of the Housing Stock Transfer process, Members agreed that the Council should retain the STW and PS assets and not lose the considerable sum of money from the Capital receipt of the Stock if the assets and responsibility were to be transferred to Roddons Housing Association.   Members agreed that there was a requirement to continually undertake investment to maintain service function and EA compliance. To date approximately £1.5M has been invested in replacing the ageing assets with modern, fit for purpose, energy efficient small package sewage treatment works.   Options to remove liability and transfer incoming flows to an Anglian Water Services (AWS) system were considered during project feasibility stage.   However, in this instance it was not viable as AWS do not have assets located in the vicinity of this site and the anticipated cost to pump the effluent to the closest location was not deemed good value for money.   This existing WPL HIPAF plant has come to the end of its useful operational life and requires removal from operational service.

Date of Decision: August 27, 2025