Purpose

This decision forms part of the wider Milton Road and Victoria Street schemes, approved by Cabinet as part of the Local Regeneration Fund programme.
Davis Landscape Architecture were originally appointed following a competitive procurement exercise in 2024 and were the highest scoring tenderer. Their appointment included preparation of the approved landscape designs for the Milton Road and Victoria Street schemes.
Following award of the PCSA, the contractor is progressing technical design development. Retaining the original landscape architect as Design Guardian will ensure the approved design intent and quality are maintained throughout this stage, including review of contractor proposals, technical submissions and any proposed design changes. The fee is in line with the consultant's original proposal and provides continuity, value for money and efficient project delivery.

Decision

To approve a variation to the existing appointment of Davis Landscape Architecture Ltd to extend their role as Landscape Design Guardian for the Homes for Dovercourt (Milton Road and Victoria Street) project during the Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) stage (RIBA Stage 4), for a fixed fee of £2,550 excluding VAT. The appointment will provide independent landscape design review and quality assurance during development of the contractor's technical design.

Alternative options considered

On 7th September 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced in Parliament that a review of the Local Government Reorganisation programme was commencing and that the decision made in March 2026 for Greater Essex (and other areas) had been withdrawn in light of new legal advice. Following this announcement, local authorities received correspondence from the Minister of Housing, Communities and Local Government requesting that until this review has concluded, Councils cease work on implementing the decisions that have previously been announced. The timetable for completion of the review is unknown at this time.
This proposal is not impacted by MHCLG’s request, as it relates to the continued delivery of the approved Homes for Dovercourt project and the appointment of a specialist consultant required to support progression through the PCSA stage. The commission forms part of an existing externally funded regeneration programme and ensures the Council can continue to discharge its project delivery responsibilities and contractual commitments.