The Provision of Town Planning Legal Advice Services
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The heart of the matter isn't just legal advice
When you first read this tender, it might seem like it's all about providing legal services for town planning.
But dig deeper.
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is embarking on the New Hospital Programme.
This is about more than just ticking boxes.
It's about ensuring the smooth progression of planning approvals across Frimley Park Hospital, Heatherwood Hospital and the Trust's existing estate.
The Trust is looking for a partner who can navigate the complexities of planning law while aligning with their broader strategic goals.
Think about the Trust's stakeholders
In a live, occupied acute site, stakeholder engagement is crucial.
The Trust emphasises transparency and risk management.
If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on how my approach will involve and reassure stakeholders at every stage.
Who are these stakeholders?
Hospital administrators, local authorities, community groups and patients.
They all have a vested interest in how the hospital's planning and development proceeds.
Don't just promise legal knowledge. Show strategic insight.
Legal advice is the service.
Strategic insight is what they're buying.
Most bidders will list their legal expertise.
But what the Trust really needs is a partner who understands the strategic implications of every planning decision.
That means demonstrating how your legal input will align with the Trust's objectives for their New Hospital Programme.
The importance of risk management
The notice makes it clear that planning risk management is a priority.
This isn't about avoiding risk altogether.
It's about demonstrating a robust approach to identifying, assessing and mitigating risks.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for:
- Evidence of previous successful risk management in similar projects
- A clear methodology for assessing planning risks
- Examples of proactive risk mitigation strategies
Pay attention to what they say
The Trust is explicit about the need for "responsive, commercially focused legal advice".
This isn't just about having the right legal expertise.
It's about being part of an integrated professional team.
Co-ordination with the Trust's planning consultants and the wider design and construction programme is key.
Reflect this in your submission.
Show how you'll work collaboratively and flexibly.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to deliver excellent service.
Very few proved it.
If you have evidence, use it.
Here’s what I'd include:
- Case studies of similar projects
- Testimonials from previous clients
- Quantifiable outcomes from past planning legal advice
Don't underestimate the scope of work
The scope includes a wide range of planning-related services.
Strategic planning advice, section 106 agreements and Environmental Impact Assessments are just the start.
But it's not just about listing services.
Explain how each one fits into the Trust's broader planning strategy.
How will your advice on heritage and listed building consents align with their new hospital vision?
Remember the contract is just the beginning
The initial commitment is for RIBA Stage 2.
But the Trust reserves the right to extend to Stages 4 and 5.
This isn't just about winning the contract.
It's about setting the groundwork for a long-term partnership.
I'd focus on how my team will remain consistent and reliable throughout the potential contract extension.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on legal expertise without showing strategic planning insight
- Fail to address stakeholder engagement and transparency
- Lack examples of risk management in similar projects
- Overlook the need for co-ordination with planning consultants and design teams
- Ignore the importance of evidence over promises
- Do not reflect on the potential for contract extension beyond RIBA Stage 2
- Present generic responses that could apply to any legal service contract
My Final Thoughts
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust isn't just looking for legal advice.
They're looking for a strategic partner who can guide them through complex planning processes with insight and foresight.
The contract is valued at £1,000,000, spanning from December 2026 to May 2028.
This reflects the weight placed on quality and strategic alignment.
Your written submission needs to convey how your expertise will support the Trust's strategic objectives.
It's about proving you're the partner they need, not just the service provider they hire.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.