• What is the Wychavon Design Code?

  The Wychavon Design Code is not just general guidance. It sets out requirements developers will be expected to follow when they design new schemes.

  It works like an instruction manual. It explains what needs to be considered when planning a site. This includes, amongst other things, how buildings and streets should be arranged, how green space should be included, and how new development should relate to what is already there.

  The code uses clear wording such as must and should. This means these are not optional ideas. They are standards that will be taken into account when planning applications are assessed.

  Our aim is to achieve consistently high-quality development across Wychavon, including exemplar design, meaning schemes that are designed so well they set a standard others should aim to follow.

• Why have we written a new design code?

  We want new development in Wychavon to be better designed and easier to assess.

  The new code gives clearer instructions from the start. This should help developers understand what is expected before they submit an application, help planning officers make consistent decisions, and reduce delays caused by changes later in the process.

  It should also make it easier for roads, open spaces and other features to be adopted, where appropriate, by public bodies, because they will have been designed to the right standards from the beginning.

  Overall, the aim is to improve quality while making the planning process more straightforward.

• One code for the whole district

  The design code applies across the whole of Wychavon so that everyone is working to the same clear set of rules.

  At the same time, it recognises different places have different qualities. Towns, villages and rural areas all have their own character, and new development should respect those differences.

  The code is designed to create a consistent approach across the district to create a sense of belonging between each area, while still allowing each place to keep the features that make it recognisable and unique.

• A practical toolkit for developers

  The new code has been written to be used in practice, not just read as policy.

  It takes developers through the steps they are expected to follow, starting with understanding the site and its surroundings, then planning the layout, and finally showing how the proposal meets the requirements of the code.

  Because the rules are clear, developers should know what is required before they submit an application. This should reduce uncertainty and help schemes move through the planning process more smoothly.

• What's in the code?

  Below is a brief summary of the main sections of the code.

  Understanding Wychavon

  The code begins by explaining about Wychavon, looking at the landscape, towns, villages, important views and natural features like rivers.

  This helps make sure developers design schemes that responded to the place where they will be built, rather than simply pick up a template they have used elsewhere in the country.

  Interpreting a site

  The code explains how developers should understand a site before they start designing it. This includes looking at the surrounding area, nearby buildings, streets, landscape and existing trees. Developers will need to explain how their design responds to these features when they submit a planning application.

  Strategic design principles

  The next section sets out the main principles for good development across the district. These include topics such as sustainability, climate change, walkable neighbourhoods and protecting important views or landscape features.

  Detailed design requirements

  The code then sets out more detailed requirements for how development should be designed. This includes guidance on things like:

  • street layout
  • trees and landscaping
  • drainage and flood management
  • parking
  • boundaries and public spaces
  • building appearance and materials

  These requirements help make sure new places are attractive, functional and well connected.

• How will the code be used?

  The design code will be used by our Development Management team when planning applications are considered. Proposals will need to show how they follow the code.

  It will also be used when larger plans are prepared, such as masterplans and site frameworks for strategic locations like Wychavon Town, so that good design is built in from the earliest stage.

  The code will apply to development sites of ten homes or more, as these have the greatest impact on how places look and function.

• How you can have your say

  The public consultation runs from 30 March 2026 to 5pm on 30 April 2026.

  All comments received will be reviewed and any necessary changes made before the final design code is adopted.

  You can have your say by filling in our online survey. We would like to know whether you believe the design code is clear, reflects the character of the district and would help improve the quality of new development.

  Have your say on the Wychavon Design Code

This page answers common questions about what to expect from our procurement process, if you're a potential supplier.

• How does the tender process work?

  All Council business is procured through a competitive process – whether by comparing quotes for low value purchases, or a formal tender process for high risk/high value contracts.

  There are a number of different procurement processes that we use and the time frames for each process will depend on the individual procurement.

  It is important for us to allow reasonable time for prospective suppliers to respond and for us to carry out our evaluations. Sometimes it can take up to 12 months for the process to be completed.

  The Council will give local suppliers a fair opportunity to compete for Council business. We will continue to look for ways in which local participation can be encouraged.

• What are the procedures for inviting tenders? How long will it take?

  There are a number of different tender procedures and the timeframes for each will depend on how complex the procurement is.

  UK threshold (high value) contracts

  Open Procedure

  Key points of the open procedure:

  • Single-stage process: Suppliers submit full tenders in one step (no separate selection and award phases).
  • Open to all: Any interested supplier can respond, provided they meet the specified conditions of participation.
  • The open procedure: is normally only used where the known market place is limited, and the Council needs to seek out extra interest, or where the timetable does not allow multiple stages.

  Competitive Flexible Procedure

  The Competitive Flexible Procedure is a new, more adaptable procurement route introduced under the Procurement Act 2023. It allows contracting authorities to design a procurement process that best suits their needs, while still ensuring fairness, transparency, and competition.

  Key Features:

  • Flexible design: Authorities can decide the stages, timings, and requirements—such as pre-qualification stages, negotiation, or dialogue.
  • Multiple stages: Can include initial selection, shortlisting, and detailed negotiation phases.
  • Customisable: Particularly useful for complex contracts or where innovation is needed.
  • Open to all interested suppliers, but authorities can limit participation based on set criteria at various stages.

  Below Threshold Contracts

  These are public sector contracts where the total value (including VAT) is below the full UK procurement thresholds set out in the Procurement Act. They are still regulated but there is more flexibility on how these are procured, taking in to account the rules set out in our Contract Procedure Rules – see below.

  Total value	Award procedure
  Low value: Up to £5,000 (plus VAT)	Consider using an existing Corporate Contract if there is one or an existing Framework Agreement provided costs are competitive. Must obtain a written quotation from at least 1 supplier The supplier can be selected on price alone or quality assessment (or a combination of both). Evaluation criteria must be used to support the decision if the contract is awarded other than on price alone.
  Medium value: Goods and Services £5,001 - £50,000 (plus VAT)	Consider using an existing Corporate Contract if there is one or an existing Framework Agreement provided costs are competitive. Must seek written quotations from at least 3 suppliers The supplier can be selected on price alone or quality assessment (or a combination of both).  Evaluation criteria must be used to support the decision if the contract is awarded other than on price alone. Legal requirement to advertise on Contracts Finder if the opportunity is advertised and has a value of over £30k (including VAT) Should consider using a Tender procedure if appropriate Good practice to use E-Procurement Portal
  Medium value: Works £5,001 - £100,000 (plus VAT)	Must consider using existing corporate contract if there is one or an existing Framework Agreement provided costs are competitive. Must seek to obtain at least 3 written quotations Quality evaluation criteria must be used to support decision if contract awarded other than on price alone. Legal requirement to advertise on the Central Digital Platform if the opportunity is advertised and has a value of over £30k (including VAT) Should consider using Tender procedure if appropriate Good practice to use E-Procurement Portal
  High value: Goods and Services £50,001 (plus VAT) – UK threshold*	Consider using an existing Corporate Contract if there is one or an existing Framework Agreement provided costs are competitive Must advertise contract and invite expressions of interest Must be advertised on the Central Digital Platform Must use the Council’s formal Tender Documents The supplier would normally be selected on a combination of both price and quality. Evaluation criteria must be used to support the decision. Consider using a SAQ (Suitability Assessment Questionnaire), or Common Assessment Standard (CAS) for Works contracts. Officers must ensure that they are satisfied that there is sufficient interest from suppliers and that Value for Money has been demonstrated with/by the responses received
  High value: Works £100,001 (plus VAT) – UK threshold*	Consider using an existing Corporate Contract if there is one or an existing Framework Agreement provided costs are competitive Must advertise contract and invite expressions of interest Must be advertised on the Central Digital Platform Must use the Council’s formal Tender Documents The supplier would normally be selected on a combination of both price and quality. Evaluation criteria must be used to support the decision. Consider using a SAQ (Suitability Assessment Questionnaire), or Common Assessment Standard (CAS) for Works contracts. Consider a prequalification stage – for Tenders over the UK Services threshold value Officers must ensure that they are satisfied that there is sufficient interest from suppliers and that Value for Money has been demonstrated with/by the responses received

   

• What do I need to think about when I tender?

  Decide Wisely Before You Bid

  • Don’t waste time bidding for work you can’t win.
  • Use a simple checklist to help decide:
  • Can we meet all the contract requirements?
  • Do we have relevant experience?
  • Can we offer a competitive price?
  • Having a “Go/No-Go” checklist can save lots of time and effort.

  Understand and Show Social Value

  • Social value is often used as quality question in a public tender.
  • SMEs can compete with big companies by:
  • Researching local community needs (e.g. unemployment, health, education).
  • Giving specific examples like: “We’ll work with this local food bank or this job centre.”
  • Highlighting local roots and how you already support the area.
  • Avoid vague promises—say exactly what you’ll do if you win the contract.
  • Offer value in low-cost ways (e.g. donating your time or services).

  Show You’re Environmentally Responsible

  • You can stand out by showing what you’re doing for the planet:
  • Get ISO 14001 accreditation (environmental management).
  • Create a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP).
  • Make small changes like:
  • Switching to electric vehicles
  • Installing energy-saving equipment
  • Training your staff and supply chain in sustainability
  • Even if not required, this kind of effort can win you points.

  Find Out What Buyers Care About

  • Go to the buyer’s website.
  • Look at their:
  • Procurement strategy
  • Business plans
  • Community goals
  • Use this to write answers that show how you’ll support their aims.

  Check your bid before you submit it

  Tenders often do not win due to:

  • failing to answer the specific questions
  • failing to address the full specification
  • an insufficient level of detail
  • inability to evidence the required competencies
  • poor planning
  • the right people are not involved
  • unattractive pricing
  • non-compliance with eligibility criteria

  Proof reading is more than spotting grammatical and spelling mistakes, bids are rarely lost for this reason. Look for whether you:

  • you have answered all parts of the question
  • you have explained the proposition clearly so it is easy to understand
  • you have fully addressed the specification and evaluation criteria
  • your response is logically structured and easy to follow
  • you have addressed the ‘how’ as well as the ‘what’
  • you have provided relevant evidence to demonstrate your competency
  • you have been consistent across every question response
  • you have used the word count or page count effectively, if applicable (content above the word count or page count limit will be disregarded)

  Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not meeting basic requirements (like accreditations or turnover).
  • Assuming the buyer already knows you - spell everything out.
  • Using too much jargon or acronyms.
  • Re-using generic answers that don’t fit the new tender.
  • Not answering the question fully.

• How is the value of a procurement assessed?

  The contract value is based on the probable sum payable to the provider over the term of the contract.

  If the value is £50,000 per annum for two years, then the value of the contract is estimated at £100,000.

  If there was an option to extend the contract for a further year, then the value is estimated as £150,000.

  All of our contracts are now advertised including VAT.

• What is the Contract Procedure Rules?

  Our Contract Procedure Rules sets out the rules, which the Council staff must follow when purchasing works, supplies and services.

  Anyone purchasing on behalf of the Council must follow the rules contained within the pdf Contract Procedure Rules (527 KB)

   

• How to find out who a contract is with and when it will expire?

  You can view our contract register here or on the Transparency section of the website for more information on who a contract is with, the spend and the duration of a contract.

• I have clarification on a tender that is on your Proactis Portal, what do I do?

  You must submit any clarifications to do with tenders via the messaging facility on the portal, these will then be picked up by the Procurement team who will liaise with the Project team and the Council will aim to provide responses as soon as possible.

• How does a supplier provide an invoice to you and what should it contain?

  All invoices should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and/or Accounts Payable, Wychavon District Council, Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, WR10 1PT. You can also see our example of an pdf Ideal Invoice (68 KB) to see what we require it to contain.

• What is ‘Social Value’ and how does it affect my bid?

  Social value refers to the additional benefit your business brings to the community beyond the goods/services delivered (e.g., apprenticeships, sustainability, supporting local employment). We score social value in line with the Social Value Act 2012 and internal policies.

• Can I speak to someone during the tender process?

  No direct communication is allowed once the tender is live. All clarification questions must be submitted through the e-tendering portal to ensure transparency and fairness.

• What if I experience issues with the e-tendering system?

  Contact technical support via the e-tendering platform or notify the procurement team listed in the tender documents. Ensure issues are raised before submission deadlines.

• What procurement rules does the council follow?

  We follow the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and, from 2024, adhere to provisions under the Procurement Act 2023. Our procurement also aligns with the Council’s internal Contract Procedure Rules and thresholds.

Complete the survey

Thank you for your feedback

Whether it's a compliment, complaint or suggestion, we love receiving feedback from you. 

We review each piece of information and act on it where we can, and where we can't we'll tell you why.

Below are some of the ways we have used your feedback in 2025 to make our services even better for everyone.

• You said: No obvious way to report issues with weeds

  We did: Created a new online form so weed issues can be reported directly to the team.

• You said: It wasn’t always clear which department to contact

  We did: Improved the layout of our contact us page and updated the landing pages of all major services to make the navigation clearer.

• You said: You were having to wait a long time on the phone to get to speak to someone about Council Tax, benefits and business rates issues

  We did: Introduced several improvements including extra afternoon appointments for business rates customers, an updated booking system to notify customers about the availability of appointments seven days in advance and queue position information on our Council Tax telephone line. We also promoted alternative ways for people to contact us including live chat, our appointment booking service and our Open Portal (self service) facility.

• You said: It was difficult to get informal advice on the care, development and alteration of heritage buildings

  We did: Introduced an online booking service so customers can easily book an appointment at their convenience with our specialist heritage and conservation officers.

• You said: Our planning website pages are confusing and it is hard to find the information needed

  We did: Implemented a new structure on the planning section of the website to make navigation easier. Changes were also made to the content to simplify some of the language used. This is an ongoing project.

• You said: You wanted a way to get regular updates about the former Raven Hotel in Droitwich Spa

  We did: Introduced an FAQs page on our website and put up signage on the building linking to it so people could get real time updates.

• You said: The sandbags we provide for residents at risk of flooding were too heavy for some people to move.

  We did: Introduced smaller and lighter sandbags.

• You said: The only way to report issues with our toilets was to call a number between 9am and 5pm and this wasn’t clearly advertised

  We did: Created an online reporting form and introduced posters in our toilets clearly advertising how issues can be reported with a web link and QR code for convenience.

• You said: There was no obvious way to report overflowing litter bins

  We did: Introduced an online reporting form so people could easily report issues 24/7.

• You said: Could we do anything to improve signage in our toilets to make them easier for people with dementia to use

  We did: We will soon be introducing dementia friendly exit signs in one of our public toilets in Droitwich Spa as a trial. If successful, we will roll this out to all of our toilet blocks to make it easier for people living with dementia to use our facilities, maintain independence and reduce anxiety.

• You said: High school students who attended our Local Democracy Day in November 2024 said they wanted us to make it easier to report damaged bins

  We did: We created and published a form on our website where people can report damage or other issues with litter and dog poo bins.

• You said: High school Students who attended our Local Democracy Day in November 2023 told us they were concerned about underage vape sales and the impact of vaping on young people

  We did: We worked with a group of young people to develop an anti-vaping campaign which we targeted at middle and high schools and youth settings across the district. This included a hard-hitting poster campaign in schools, bus and supermarket adverts and a radio and social media campaign.

• You said: The web link to information about the small electrical item recycling service wasn't working

  We did: We updated the page and fixed the broken links.