Decision

To direct award a four week master planning collaboration project to Freehaus Limited via an exemption.

Reasons for the decision

To facilitate and expedite the pre-application planning process for the village centre design of Upper Lighthorne.

An exemption permitting direct award of the contract was granted by the Council’s S.151 Officer on 28th July 2026.

Alternative options considered

Obtaining three quotes, conducting an open tender procedure and appointing through an open public framework were considered but discounted on the basis of the further delays and impact set out in the exemption request form.