The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Wednesday 25 March 2026. The committee endorsed an interim report on the Stone Circle Development Company and referred it for a response, and also endorsed the final report of the MyWilts App Task Group, referring it to the Deputy Leader for a response. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a call-in regarding a decision on traffic regulation orders in Box, which the committee ultimately referred back to the Cabinet Member for reconsideration.

Interim Report of the Stone Circle Task Group

The committee endorsed the interim report of the Stone Circle Standing Task Group concerning the Stone Circle Development Company. The task group found that the company had incurred £4 million in debt and had failed to deliver any affordable housing, despite initial ambitions. Key issues identified included a lack of detail in the business case, poor governance with limited information provided to the Cabinet, and a lack of employees with specific housing development experience. The report highlighted that the company had ceased further development activity and faced a significant net liability. The committee agreed to refer the report to the Leader of the Council and Chair of the Cabinet Shareholder Group for a response at the next meeting. They also requested the task group to consider further evidence-gathering and interviews based on the committee's comments.

Final Report of the MyWilts App Task Group

The committee endorsed the final report of the MyWilts App Task Group, which reviewed the user experience of the council's digital platform for reporting local issues. The task group highlighted initial successes including the implementation of a Councillor Portal and the Follow a Case functionality, which allows users to track the status of reported issues. Improvements to the initial login process, a better interface with the Highways Asset Management System (HIAMS), and plans for future scrutiny were also noted. The report was referred to the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Engagement, and Corporate Services for a response.

Urgent Items: Call-in of Traffic Regulation Order Decision in Box

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to considering a call-in request concerning a decision made by the Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding regarding a proposed No Waiting at Any Time Traffic Regulation Order on Quarry Hill and Hazelbury Hill in Box. The call-in was initiated by Cllr Phil Chamberlain and nine other councillors, who argued that the decision was not taken in accordance with the Council's Principles of Decision Making.

The core of the objection centred on the perceived lack of proportionate action, insufficient evidence of long-standing concerns from emergency services, and a failure to demonstrate objectivity and adequately consider objections. Residents and Box Parish Council argued that alternative, less restrictive solutions had been dismissed without proper consideration, and that the evidence presented, including simulated fire engine access tests, was flawed and anecdotal. Concerns were also raised about the potential for increased vehicle speeds, displacement of parking to other areas, and negative impacts on vulnerable residents and the character of the conservation area.

The Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding, Cllr Martin Smith, defended the decision, stating that it was based on evidence of obstruction and the Council's duty as Highway Authority to ensure clear access for emergency vehicles. He highlighted that the proposals had been developed following concerns from the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service, Southwest Ambulance Service, and Wiltshire Council Waste Service, and that the process followed statutory procedures.

After hearing statements from the public, including residents of Box and representatives of Box Parish Council, and following extensive debate among committee members, the committee resolved to refer the decision back to the Cabinet Member for reconsideration. This decision was based on concerns that the decision was not fully in accordance with the principles of decision-making, taking into account the nature of the committee's concerns as set out in the minutes of their debate.

Management Committee Task Groups

An update was provided on the work of various task groups. The Area Boards Funding Task Group, chaired by Cllr Alan Hagger, had agreed its Terms of Reference and was arranging preparatory meetings. The committee noted the update on task group activity and the amended membership of the Stone Circle Standing Task Group, as well as the appointed membership of the Area Board Grant Funding Task Group.

Forward Work Programme

The committee considered and approved the Overview and Scrutiny Forward Work Programme. Updates were provided by the Chairs of the Children's Select Committee, Environment Select Committee, Health Select Committee, and the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee itself. A rapid scrutiny exercise was agreed to review and comment on the Revised Service Devolution and Asset Transfer Policy before its consideration by Cabinet. Further updates were promised on the Community Resilience Fund scrutiny.