Scope
Reference
R083
Description
Middlesbrough Council is preparing a new statutory development plan, known as the Local Plan, which will set out the planning framework for the borough. It is forward looking, setting out development proposals until 2041, and will include planning policies that will be used in the consideration of development proposals and planning applications.
As part of the plan making process, the Local Plan has been submitted to the Secretary of State who has appointed Planning Inspectors to undertake an Independent Examination, which is now underway. Part of the Examination process is the Public Hearing sessions, of which we have been advised to programme approximately 12 days for the hearings themselves. Hearing statements will also need to be prepared ahead of this during January 2026.
In order to support the Council it is necessary to seek expert support through the procurement of a legal advocate, most likely a barrister who has experience of supporting local planning authorities through the examination process. The legal advocate will help to ensure the Council is in the best position to have the local plan found sound and legally compliant and be able to progress to adoption. Appointing appropriate counsel will minimise any delays in this overall process and help reduce associated overall risk, cost and operational uncertainty.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £91,666 excluding VAT
- £110,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Date signed
12 January 2026
Contract dates
- 12 January 2026 to 30 June 2026
- 5 months, 20 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79000000 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security
Contract locations
- UKC12 - South Teesside
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - without competition
Supplier
Cornerstone Chambers Limited
2-3 Gray's Inn Square, England
London
WC1R 5JH
United Kingdom
Email: clerks@cornerstonebarristers.com
Website: https://cornerstonebarristers.com/
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Middlesbrough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLJH-5252-HJDM
PO Box 500
Middlesbrough
TS1 9FT
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Website: http://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk
Region: UKC12 - South Teesside
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government