Single Supplier Framework for Specialist Arboricultural Advice For South Downs National Park Authority Planning
Framework Description
South Downs National Park Authority has a single supplier framework for specialist arboricultural advice to support its planning function. The appointed consultant advises on planning, minerals and waste applications, conservation area tree notifications, hedgerow applications, enforcement cases and Tree Preservation Order (TPO) applications. It runs until 31 May 2029, with an option to extend by one year to 31 May 2030.
Context & Use Case
Most work arises in the parts of the National Park within the Arun, Adur & Worthing, Brighton & Hove, Horsham, Lewes, Mid Sussex and Wealden council areas, with around seven complex applications a year in the Hampshire and Chichester districts. Officers instruct the consultant when tree impacts, protection measures or TPO matters need specialist judgement.
Scope of Services
Arboricultural advice on planning, minerals and waste applications Conservation area tree notifications Tree Preservation Order applications Hedgerow applications Enforcement matters
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Suits arboricultural consultancies with planning casework experience, knowledge of TPO and hedgerow regulations, and capacity to respond across Sussex and Hampshire. It is a single supplier framework and applications are closed, so other consultants cannot join; the next opportunity is the re-procurement around May 2029, or May 2030 if extended.
Buyer Benefits
One appointed specialist gives the Authority consistent tree advice across several district areas, from a consultant who learns its landscape priorities and policies. Officers can instruct quickly on enforcement cases or time-limited conservation area notifications rather than procuring advice case by case.
Next Steps
If you hold the appointment, keep turnaround times and report quality high, as performance will shape the Authority's view at re-procurement. If not, note the 31 May 2029 end date and the possible extension to 31 May 2030, and expect a new procurement before then. Build case studies of planning-led tree work for local planning authorities meanwhile.
How Athena Can Help
Small specialist frameworks like this are often decided by a few points on quality. Athena can help arboricultural consultancies prepare for the South Downs re-procurement: our bid writing and review builds win themes and checks your draft for weaknesses before submission.
Our framework opportunity planning identifies other frameworks and dynamic markets open to arboricultural and planning consultants, and our public sector tendering support helps you set hourly rates that win and still pay.
