Further details of the Study into transport links at Cuan Sound

Further details on the brief for the STAG appraisal to be carried out by Atkins into the Transport Links at Cuan Sound:

"The Council and other partners require an appraisal of the problems, constraints and opportunities for transport links between the island of Luing, over the Cuan Sound, to the mainland, including the capacity of the roads infrastructure on either side of the link. This appraisal must be compliant with the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidelines (STAG).

The funding for the appraisal is limited to £48,000 and the scope of the work must be limited to ensure completion of the appraisal within this budget.

Throughout the study process it is essential to actively engage with the Council and other stakeholders. A number of hold points will occur where the course and direction of the study requires the agreement of the Council and its key stakeholders." (taken from the tender documentation)

The study will be split into 3 phases, and 2 levels of appraisal will be carried out - Part 1 appraisal, which consists of a general appraisal of all options put forward, and Part 2 appraisal, which consists of a more comprehensive appraisal of only the options considered to most viable from the Part 1 appraisals

Phase 1 of the Study will comprise:

• An assessment of the existing and future transport problems together with an understanding of the national, regional and local transport policies which are relevant to the location;

• The establishment of appropriate transport planning objectives which are clearly linked to the identified transport problems and policies;

• The generation of a range of practicable, affordable and acceptable options that could deliver the established objectives, and be consistent with the Government's five appraisal objectives - environment, economy, safety, integration & accessibility and social inclusion.

Existing data and study reports are available for consideration but the appointed consultant may agree with the Council that there is a need to collate additional data and information in order to fully understand the nature and scale of the transport problems. The Council's current review of piers, harbours and ferries will also be taken into account when carrying out the study.

Estimates of the intitial outlay, operating costs and the lifespan of all the options will need to be robust, realistic and reflect current market prices.

Phase 2 of the study will comprise:

• A Part 1 appraisal of the generated options which have not been sifted out will be undertaken to an appropriate level in accordance with STAG guidance;

• The findings of the appraisal will be presented to the Council and key stakeholders to agree the options which are appropriate to take forward to the more detailed Part 2 appraisal.

Phase 3 of the study will comprise:

• A more detailed Part 2 appraisal of the options which have pased the Part 1 appraisal will be undertaken to an appropriate level

At the end of the second stage of the appraisal the findings will be presented in the form of a STAG report (as outlined in Chapter 14 of the STAG document) and in agreement with the Council. The report will clearly set out the methodology for the study, identifying the key and significant issues which have influenced the course of the study. The results of the appraisal will be set out in the form of Appraisal Summary Tables (AST's) that will be sufficiently comprehensive to stand up to an audit, and will allow an accurately informed decision to be taken.

Anticipated Timescales:

Appointment of Consultant - 2 months

• Prepare Professional Services Tender Document, Issue Tenders, Report on Tenders, appoint successful consultant

STAG Appraisal process - 7 months

• Phase 1 - Assess the problems and opportunities, collate data and other information as neccessary, establish planning objectives, generate and sift a range of options, agreement of Council and key stakeholders - 2 months

• Phase 2 - Part 1 appraisal, reporting of findings, agreement of options to be taken forward - 2 months

• Phase 3 - Part 2 appraisal, reporting of findings, agreement of final form and submission of the STAG report - 3 months

The expected programme for the appraisal is currently as follows:

Identification of Issues, Objectives and Options - February and March 2006
(This includes initial stakeholder consultations)

STAG appraisal Part 1 - April to late May 2006

STAG appraisal Part 2 - June and July 2006

Final Report - end July 2006

Existing Information available for consideration:

• Scott Wilson fixed link study (October 2001)
  
• Babtie Tidal Power Study (November 2003)
  
• PTF bid Small Island Ferry Services Appendix C STAG Appraisal (August 2002)
  
• Shore survey and otter report from slipways planning application
  
• Summary of presentation by Elvind Grov on Tunnel sea crossings
  
• Argyll and Bute Structure Plan 2002
  
• Argyll and Bute Local Transport Strategy 2000
  
• Argyll and Bute Council Review of piers, harbours and ferries
  
• Halcrow Sea Crossings Study 2005 (In preparation)