To appoint HDH to undertake a Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) on behalf of the Council.
As part of the Local Plan review, the Council will need to undertake a SHMA in the Tendring District. The study will primarily form part of the Council’s evidence base to inform the Local Plan review but will also assist in the development of strategies for investment and funding across North Essex and the Freeport East area. The Study will also form part of the evidence base for the implementation of CIL.
The decision to commission evidence for the Local Plan Review was taken and published on 12/01/2024.
A procurement exercise was undertaken resulting in the submission of three bids.
Authority for Delegated Decision:
Part 3, Schedule 3 – Responsibility for Executive Functions delegated to Officers paragraph 4.3 (1) – the Corporate Director has delegated authority to discharge executive functions within their respective service areas (Part 3.38). All delegations are subject to consultation where considered appropriate in the circumstances (paragraph 4.3 (4(ii) – Part 3.39).

To appoint HDH to undertake the work of preparing a Strategic Housing Market Assessment in accordance with the specification document.

Option 1 – Appoint HDH to undertake the Assessment. The bid demonstrated best value for money and scored highest during the tender assessment process.
Option 2 – Appoint an alternative consultant. The quality of all submissions was high but neither alternative bidder scored as highly against the assessment criteria or demonstrated the same value for money.
Option 3 – Do nothing. Not preparing appropriate evidence to inform the Local Plan’s updated policies will increase the risk that they are not fit for purpose, and that the Plan is found not to be sound when examined by a Government Inspector.