Decision details

For the Head of Housing Development to approve the implementation of Contract Standing Order 11.01 and 11.02 and award a contract to Delva Patman Redler LLP (DPR), to carry out Rights of Light services on the project at 505-511 Archway Road N6, at a cost of £15000+VAT.

The total cost over the life the contract (including any extensions) is £15000.

The 505-511 Archway Road site has been designated by Haringey Council for the direct delivery of new Council homes.
The council has recently received correspondence from surveyors representing owners of neighbouring properties, with regard Rights of Light impacts as a result of the proposed development.
To ensure that potential claims relating to Rights of Light can be assessed and addressed, the council needs to appoint our own Rights of Light surveyors to represent our interests in this regard.
The brief for this work is intended to cover as the minimum:
• Engaging with Surveyors representing neighbouring owners
• Inspecting and measuring properties as required
• Ordering a 3D context model and gathering other required site information
• Testing the neighbouring properties for common law rights of light
• Providing technical assessment along with the source information used and liaising with other surveyors
DPR have recently provided Rights of Light services on other comparable affordable housing schemes for the council, and their work comes recommended by other PMs in the team.
DPR have existing knowledge of the particulars of comparable housing projects and are therefore well placed to carry out the required Rights of Light Services, within the tight timescales required.

The Council could run a competitive tender to identify a consultant for these services. This option would likely incur additional delay, which under the circumstances is not advisable, given that we need to respond promptly to letters from neighbouring residents outlining the Council’s position and next steps.
The Council could decide not to appoint this consultant or to commission Rights of Light services, however without representation from a specialist consultant, claims would not be able to be assessed or addressed equitably, potentially resulting in additional costs to the council.