Framework for the Provision of Planning Services Landscaping Works

Descriptions

The Planning Division is responsible for the design and procurement of a wide variety of Rural and Urban Environmental Enhancement schemes each year on land in both public and private ownership. The schemes range in scale and complexity from planting and maintaining simple hedgerows to planting and harvesting large areas of woodland; and from small urban enhancement schemes such as sitting areas, to larger urban spaces such as small town squares.Other service areas and departments within the authority may require similar works and it is intended that this framework will also be available to them.Most of the projects will include both hard and soft landscaping work which can include:Soft Landscaping such as:Vegetation clearance, ground preparation, soiling, cultivation, grass seeding, turfing, tree/shrub, bulb, and wildflower planting.Hard Landscaping such as:Small scale drainage work, construction of brick, masonary or dry stonewall to installation of fences, gates, barriers and seats, construction of footpaths, cycleways, short sections of roadway, carparks, seating areas and public spaces (some with artworks) in a variety of materials including gravel, tarmacadam, paviours, concrete and natural stone paving slabs, etc.Most contracts will include a 3 year maintenance period for the soft landscape elements.Wherever possible our designs endeavour to use materials that are sympathetic to the environment where the works are taking place by using, where possible, materials that have been recycled, or reused materials that have been sourced from the Project Site or the surrounding area. In many projects designs include the use of sustainably sourced materials such as FSC compliant timber and contractors will be expected to adhere to this. We also work with artists and craftsmen to achieve unique design solutions and their specified requirements will also need to be adhered to.Construction on site will always be under the control of a nominated council officer and method statements and project plans will be required in respect of health and safety and risk assessments and method statements will have been approved by relevant officers in the authority before works commence. The authority has a number of in-house service providers that can undertake some or all the works identified and individual projects will be allocated to them prior to utilising this framework in accordance with the councils Standing Orders for Contracts.The organisation is committed to contributing to the social, economic and environmental well being of the wider community. Accordingly, while the requirement to do so will not be mandatory, the successful contractors are encouraged to consider opportunities to recruit and train long term economically inactive persons as part of the workforce delivering any projects. The organisations will also be encouraged to consider offering training opportunities, such as apprenticeships/NVQs and other training such as work experience to schools and colleges where appropriate, during the life of the contract, as well as considering advertising subcontracting opportunities for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for 2nd and 3rd tier supply chain (subcontractors) opportunities via the Sell2Wales website.  The Authority shall not be responsible for any costs, charges or expenses incurred by your company in the preparation of your bid and accepts no liability for any such costs, charges or expenses should the project, for whatever reason, be cancelled.