Public consultation on district council office plans

West Somerset Council is inviting local people to comment on designs for its new offices in Killick Way, Williton.
Plans are being displayed in the reception areas of the council’s offices in Williton and Minehead during office hours on November 2, 3, 6, and 7, with a special weekend viewing between 9.30 – 1 pm on Saturday, November 4.
Council corporate director Bruce Lang said: “Questionnaires will be available so that the public can make their views known to us.
“We welcome people’s opinions on the external appearance of the building and their feelings on the visual impact it will have on Killick Way’s urban environment.”
The council has considered in detail what it needs from its new offices and commissioned project managers, architects, and mechanical and electrical engineers to draw its requirements into a technical document called the ‘employer’s requirements’.
“The internal layout is tailored to the council’s requirements and will not be subject to public comment.”
Three companies - Dean and Dyball, Mansell, and Cowlin - have tendered for this work using the ‘employer’s requirements’ to develop their proposals.
The tender submissions will be considered by the council and their appointed project managers, Cyril Sweett, before reporting to a special cabinet meeting, followed by a full council meeting on November 8.
Williton ward member Councillor Eddie May said: “We are pleased this project is moving forward.
“The plans will be designated X, Y, and Z, so that opinion is not swayed in favour of a particular contractor.
“The questionnaires will be analysed as they are returned so that we can use the information to indicate the public’s preferences to cabinet and council.
“These results, together with the project manager’s evaluation report, which will consider cost, compliance with the council’s requirements, programme innovation, and added value, will enable West Somerset Council to make an informed choice.”