To approve the grant with only one viable quotation has been made due to the specialist nature of the works required. As the property is located within Clacton's Conservation Area, any improvements must preserve the character and appearance of the traditional shopfront, which is both a planning requirement and important in maintaining the heritage and visual quality of the town centre.
Significant refurbishment is required to the timber framework and louvred windows, and it has proven difficult to identify contractors with the specialist carpentry skills necessary to undertake the works on a like-for-like basis. Despite extensive efforts by both the business owner and the Council to obtain multiple quotations, only two contractors were willing to consider the project and only one contractor, Glen Baker and Sons Ltd, submitted a compliant quotation once advised that the original louvred design must be retained.

Given the specialist conservation requirements of the project, the lack of alternative compliant quotations, and the need to ensure the shopfront is restored to an appropriate standard, it has been determined that Glen Baker & Sons Ltd is the only viable contractor for the works. In addition, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Stephenson, has been consulted and has agreed to allow the grant to be paid with only receiving the one quotation.