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Pursuant to the Council resolution of 23 July
2024, the Council has entered into a Development Agreement with
Wates Construction Ltd. Wates Construction Ltd is appointed as the
Council’s Development Partner to support it in delivering a
housing scheme at the Guildford Park site.
The parties now wish to enter into a Deed of Variation to reflect
variations to the Council’s specification which have been
agreed between the parties.

Reasons for the decision

The changes are to be agreed:
•To ensure alignment with the scheme masterplan and energy
strategy accepted by the Council at tender stage and since
developed by Wates
•To reflect changes to servicing and systems strategies since
developed by Wates which focus on achieving regulatory compliance,
simplified infrastructure and reducing maintenance requirements and
costs (and service charge costs to occupants)
The changes necessitate a variation to the contract documents,
hence the decision to enter into a Deed of Variation.

Alternative options considered

The alternative was not to allow any changes
to the Council specification. This was not considered an
appropriate response as:
•The Council had already accepted divergence from its
specification in accepting Wates tender stage proposal
•The changes being put forward focus on achieving regulatory
compliance, simplifying infrastructure and reducing maintenance
requirements and costs – which is of benefit to future
occupiers including future Council tenants
•The Council is in partnership with Wates and has tasked Wates
with developing the optimal design solution for the site. The
Council specification provides a framework to inform this, but it
is agreed and acknowledged that the parties may agree to amend the
provisions within