Decision details

To enter into a contract with Dean Martin Contractors Ltd for the purposes of:

•      Desilting Hatherley Lake,

•      Transporting the silt to an amenity grassland area for reuse, and

•      Constructing planted revetments

The contract value is £39,535 and is subject to receiving planning approval by Planning Committee on 19th February 2026.

The works are required to:

•      Restore water depth and storage capacity

•      Improve water quality

•      Support fish and aquatic habitats

•      Reduce flood risk

•      Prevent odour, stagnation and decline in amenity value

•      Ensure the long-term sustainability of the lake.

To enable the Council to desilt Hatherley lake, improve water quality and the biodiversity of the lake it is necessary to enter into a contract with a third party to deliver the works and provide project management services.

A request-for-quotation exercise was issued through the eprocurement portal for contracts between £30,000 and £60,000. 4 quotations were received, several exceeded the procurement bracket. Following assessment of quotations received, Dean Martin Contractors Ltd provided best value.

Publica Procurement advised that normally a further competitive tender would be best practice. However, the project is time?sensitive, and delays from re?tendering would negatively impact ecology, lake recovery and environmental conditions:

•      Winter is the optimal period for desilting to minimise disruption to wildlife and park users.

•      If works continue into early spring, mitigation measures will be implemented.

•      An independent ecologist is in place to provide guidance.

In this case the works are urgently required and cannot be delayed further by readvertising.

Given the urgency and the transparency of the quotation process, a waiver is required.

Background information

£50,000 capital (CAP113) has been secured for this project and £5,000 through a contribution from the Friends of Hatherley.

An Ecological Impact assessment and Flood Risk assessment have been completed and are publicly available as part of a planning application 25/01931/FUL. The contract is subject to decision making at Planning Committee on the 19th February 2026.

To undertake a competitive procurement exercise. This has been discounted due to the urgent need for works and the narrow seasonal window.

I have actioned officers to work with the procurement team on a lesson learned review outside of this process.

As Director of Planning & Building Control, both the planning team and

green spaces team fall within my portfolio. I confirm that:

•      I have had no involvement in the planning application, which has been managed independently by the case officer and Head of Planning.

•      I have not participated in the procurement process, which has been managed

•      independently by the Community Parks Development Officer and Parks and Public Realm Manager.

The Friends of Hatherley Park have been consulted on this project and have supported with

additional funding.

The lead officer has had ongoing engagement with:

•      Publica Procurement,

•      Finance Business Partner

•      OneLegal

•      Trees officer

•      Drainage and Flood Risk Engineer

The Cabinet member for Waste, Recycling, Parks, Gardens and Green Open Space is supportive of the project and has been kept informed.