Purpose

Tendring District Council is commissioning a new Strategic Green Gaps (SGGs) Study to form a key part of the evidence base for the Local Plan Review, including an independent review of existing and proposed SGG designations and boundaries to ensure they are robust and defensible for the Regulation 19 Submission and capable of withstanding scrutiny at Examination in Public (EIP). A quotation exercise was undertaken and, following evaluation by the officer panel on 15 April 2026, The Landscape Partnership is recommended for appointment.

Decision

To appoint The Landscape Partnership to undertake the Strategic Green Gaps Study (2026) to support the Tendring District Local Plan Review evidence base, including review/refinement and justification of Strategic Green Gap boundaries, with provision for supporting Regulation 19 and (if required) representations and attendance at Examination in Public (EIP).

Alternative options considered

The Strategic Green Gaps Study will form part of the Local Plan Review evidence base, informing the Strategic Green Gap designations and justifying boundaries, and may be relied upon at Regulation 19 and Examination in Public (EIP). Any future local government reorganisation and/or devolution could change plan-making responsibilities, evidence-base governance and the geographic scope of strategic planning. However, this commission supports the Council’s current Local Plan Review programme and will remain relevant evidence for the plan-making authority(ies) progressing the plan, subject to any future re-scoping that may be required.