Decision

To undertake a variation to the contract dated 27 August 2024 for the provision of consultancy services to design and oversee the construction of a new community building within the village centre at Upper Lighthorne.

Reasons for the decision

The Consultant was unable to proceed as originally planned and the Contract was suspended in accordance with clause 13.1 on 14th October 2025 as a third party needed to first resolve land transfer matters.

It is intended that the Project should now resume however all RIBA Stages of the Project have been impacted by changes in legislation and fees increasing due to inflation. The Parties, therefore, wish to vary the Contract by incorporating an amended design brief for RIBA Stages 2 to 3+ in accordance with the revised scope and costings.

The Parties have agreed that both Parties are released from their obligations under the Contract in respect of work for RIBA Stages 4-7.

The variation complies with the requirements for permitted modifications under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.

Alternative options considered

Termination of the contract, although this was deemed inappropriate due to the impact on the project in terms of risk of increased costs and exacerbating delays to the project and wider development.