URL: https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1537

Decision Maker: Leader – Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Corporate Strategy

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Approval is sought to appoint, Mott McDonald design consultant to secure planning permission and marine licences for the Leigh Port redevelopment following Value Engineering Stage and re-design. This includes updating environmental reports, responding to statutory authority queries, and fulfilling Principal Designer duties under CDM regulations.   The scope also includes technical input during the contractor tender process and coordination with bodies such as Natural England, MMO, EA, and Network Rail.  

Content: Approval is sought to appoint, Mott McDonald design consultant to secure planning permission and marine licences for the Leigh Port redevelopment following Value Engineering Stage and re-design. This includes updating environmental reports, responding to statutory authority queries, and fulfilling Principal Designer duties under CDM regulations.   The scope also includes technical input during the contractor tender process and coordination with bodies such as Natural England, MMO, EA, and Network Rail.   The Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Corporate Strategy agrees to:   1.         Approve, by exception, the direct award of a new contract by way of call off from the CCS Framework RM6165 Construction Professional Services (Lot 6; Environmental) (to an existing Service Provider – Principal Designer) for the pre-construction consultancy services for the Leigh Port Regeneration Project to be commissioned from January 2026 -September 2026 (including utilising the option to extend the contract for 3 months if required).   2.         Delegate authority to the Director for Infrastructure and Environment to award contract(s) for the required surveys to support the Consultancy Services awarded under recommendation 1.   The Leigh Port Regeneration Project requires approval to commence pre-construction activities to enable construction in October 2026. The project is currently in the Value Engineering stage, which is scheduled for completion by mid-January 2026.   The procurement of the new contract will be carried out in full compliance with the Public Contract Regulations 2015 by the use of CCS Framework. A desktop evaluation will be undertaken in accordance the framework’s objective criteria to ensure that Southend secures the best possible value from the existing provider.   This decision is necessary to maintain programme alignment for planning submission and due diligence assessment in February 2026. It ensures statutory compliance with the Environment Act 2021, biodiversity net gain, and conservation covenants, and enables early engagement with statutory bodies to avoid delays. The decision also delivers key outcomes including environmental compliance, planning readiness, programme assurance, and stakeholder confidence.   Appoint a new Service Provider (Principal Designer): This option was rejected to maintain continuity and avoid abortive work. The current Service Provider (Principal Designer) has produced the necessary environmental reports and planning documentation, and this commission involves updating and extending that work. Appointing a new provider would duplicate effort, require re-review of existing material, and increase costs, making it inefficient and impractical within the programme timeline and available budget.  

Date of Decision: December 19, 2025