This week in Wiltshire:

• The Council elected Councillor Laura Mays as the new chairman and Councillor Ruth Hopkinson as vice-chairman.
• The Council appointed Councillor Ian Thorne as leader of the council for 2025-2029.
• The Council voted to delegate committee appointments to group leaders.
• The Council authorised work to create a new financial scrutiny committee.
• The Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board elected Councillor Nick Dye as Chairman and Councillor Andrew Matthews as Vice-Chairman.
• The Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board decided that all members will attend the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG).
• The South West Wiltshire Area Board elected Councillor Pauline Church as Chairman and Councillor Nabil Najjar as Vice-Chairman.
• The South West Wiltshire Area Board appointed Councillor Bridget Wayman as the lead representative on the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).
• The Southern Wiltshire Area Board elected Councillor Zoë Clewer as Chairman and Councillor Rich Rogers as Vice-Chairman.
• The Southern Wiltshire Area Board appointed Councillor Rich Rogers as the Lead Councillor for the Southern Wiltshire LHFIG.
• The Trowbridge Area Board elected Councillor Stewart Palmén as Chair and Councillor Denise Bates as Vice-Chair.
• The Trowbridge Area Board appointed its representatives to the Local Highways and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG).
• The Devizes Area Board elected Councillor Dominic Muns as Chairman and Councillor Tamara Reay as Vice-Chairman.
• The Devizes Area Board deferred the appointment of a LHFIG representative.
• The Corsham Area Board elected Councillor Ruth Hopkinson as Chairman and Councillor Helen Belcher OBE as Vice-Chair.
• The Corsham Area Board appointed Councillor Ruth Hopkinson as the lead member for the LHFIG.
• The Malmesbury Area Board elected Councillor Chuck Berry as Chairman and Councillor Gavin Grant as Vice-Chairman.
• The Malmesbury Area Board appointed Councillor Elizabeth Threlfall as the lead member for the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).
• The Marlborough Area Board appointed Councillor Jane Davies as Chairman and Councillor Kymee Cleasby as Vice-Chairman.
• The Marlborough Area Board appointed Councillor Cleasby as the Area Board’s lead representative on the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG).
• The Local Pension Board were scheduled to discuss the Wiltshire Pension Fund's headlines and monitoring report, key financial controls, and a number of strategies and reports.
• The Warminster Area Board elected Councillor Russell Hawker as Chairman and Councillor Barry Pirie as Vice-Chairman.
• The Warminster Area Board appointed Councillor Bill Parks as the Lead Representative to the LHFIG.
• The Bradford on Avon Area Board appointed Councillor Trevor Carbin as Chairman and Councillor Nigel White as Vice-Chairman.
• The Bradford on Avon Area Board appointed Councillor Trevor Carbin as the Lead Representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).
• The Chippenham and Villages Area Board appointed Councillor Liz Alstrom as Chairman and Councillor Ross Henning as Vice-Chairman.
• The Chippenham and Villages Area Board appointed Councillors Ross Henning and Adrian Foster as representatives to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).
• The Stonehenge Area Board elected Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling as Chairman and Councillor Dr Monica Devendran as Vice-Chairman.
• The Stonehenge Area Board appointed Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling as the board's lead representative on the LHFIG.
• The Melksham Area Board elected Councillor Jon Hubbard as Chairman and Councillor Jennie Westbrook as Vice-Chairman.
• The Melksham Area Board appointed Councillor Andrew Griffin as the Lead Representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).
• The Pewsey Area Board appointed Councillor Jerry Kunkler as Chairman and Councillor Paul Oatway QPM as Vice-Chairman.
• The Pewsey Area Board appointed Councillor Jerry Kunkler as the Lead Representative to the LHFIG.
• The Westbury Area Board elected Councillor Robert Smith as Chairman and Councillor Gordon King as Vice-Chairman.
• The Westbury Area Board appointed Councillor Boaz Barry as the Lead Representative to the LHFIG.
• The Eastern Wiltshire Area Committee appointed Councillor Jane Davies as Chairman and Councillor Kymee Cleasby as Vice-Chairman.
• The Eastern Wiltshire Area Committee agreed on substitution arrangements for members on the Marlborough, Pewsey, and Tidworth Area Boards.
• The Tidworth Area Board elected Councillor Dave Lumsden as Chairman and Councillor Christopher Williams as Vice-Chairman.
• The Tidworth Area Board appointed Councillor Keith Allen as the lead member for LHFIG for 2025/26.
• The Salisbury Area Board elected Councillor Paul Sample JP as Chairman and Councillor Ricky Rogers as Vice-Chairman.
• The Salisbury Area Board appointed Councillor Brian Dalton as Lead Member for Salisbury LHFIG for 2025/26.
• The Calne Area Board elected Councillor Ashley O'Neill as Chairman and Councillor Sam Pearce-Kearney as Vice-Chairman.
• The Calne Area Board appointed Councillor Ashley O'Neill as the Area Board’s lead representative on the LHFIG.

Councillor Ian Thorne was elected leader of Wiltshire Council, and announced his new cabinet, at the Council meeting. The council also voted to create a new financial scrutiny committee.

Council - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The annual meeting of Wiltshire Council saw Councillor Laura Mays elected as the new chairman, and Councillor Ruth Hopkinson elected as vice-chairman, both following secret ballots. Councillor Ian Thorne was appointed leader of the council for 2025-2029 after a secret ballot, and he then announced his cabinet. Councillors also voted to delegate decisions on committee appointments to group leaders, and to authorise work to create a new financial scrutiny committee.

Councillor Thorne thanked Councillor Richard Clure for his work over the past four years, and then spoke about the need for the council to work together across the chamber, and to support council officers. He then introduced his cabinet: Councillor Mel Jacob, Deputy Leader of the Council, with a role around communities and engagement; Councillor Gordon King, covering adult social care; Councillor Gavin Grant, looking after finances; Councillor Adrian Foster, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning; Councillor John Hubbard, covering children's services; Councillor Helen Belcher OBE, covering enterprise and the economy; Councillor Paul Sample JP, focusing on waste and climate change; Councillor Martin Smith, covering highways; and Councillor Claire Cape, focusing on relationships with the NHS.

The council voted to delegate the appointment of chairmen and vice chairmen to committees to the monitoring officer in consultation with group leaders.

The council also voted to approve the creation of a new overview and scrutiny committee structure, including a dedicated finance and procurement select committee. Councillor Graham Wright introduced the proposal, explaining that overview and scrutiny is a statutory function of the council and acts as a counterbalance to the decision making powers of the executive. Councillor Thorne welcomed the proposal, saying that the performance of councils, particularly their financial performance, tends to relate very directly to the amount of overview and governance that takes place.

Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board met to elect a new chairman and vice-chairman, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Nick Dye was elected as Chairman, Councillor Andrew Matthews was elected as Vice-Chairman, and all Area Board members will attend the LHFIG.

South West Wiltshire Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

At the South West Wiltshire Area Board meeting, Councillor Pauline Church was elected as Chairman, Councillor Nabil Najjar as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Bridget Wayman was appointed as the lead representative on the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).

Southern Wiltshire Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Southern Wiltshire Area Board met to elect a chair and vice-chair for the upcoming year, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Zoë Clewer was elected as Chairman, Councillor Rich Rogers as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Rich Rogers was also appointed as the Lead Councillor for the Southern Wiltshire LHFIG.

Trowbridge Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

In a brief meeting, the Trowbridge Area Board elected Councillor Stewart Palmén as Chair and Councillor Denise Bates as Vice-Chair for the forthcoming year. Additionally, the board appointed its representatives to the Local Highways and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG).

Devizes Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Devizes Area Board met to elect a new chairman and vice-chairman, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highways and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Dominic Muns was elected as Chairman, Councillor Tamara Reay as Vice-Chairman, and the appointment of a LHFIG representative was deferred.

Corsham Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Corsham Area Board met to appoint a chair, vice-chair, and a representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Ruth Hopkinson was elected as Chairman, Councillor Helen Belcher OBE was elected as Vice-Chair, and Councillor Ruth Hopkinson was also appointed as the lead member for the LHFIG.

Malmesbury Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Malmesbury Area Board met on Tuesday 20 May 2025 and elected Councillor Chuck Berry as Chairman and Councillor Gavin Grant as Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year. Councillor Elizabeth Threlfall, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care Transformation, was appointed as the lead member for the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).

Marlborough Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Marlborough Area Board met on 20 May 2025 and appointed Councillor Jane Davies, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, SEND and Inclusion, as its Chairman for the forthcoming year, and Councillor Kymee Cleasby as its Vice-Chairman. Councillor Cleasby was also appointed as the Area Board’s lead representative on the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG).

Local Pension Board - Thursday 22 May 2025

The Local Pension Board were scheduled to discuss the Wiltshire Pension Fund's headlines and monitoring report, key financial controls, and a number of strategies and reports. These included the pension administration strategy, communications strategy, low volume performance report, local pension board annual report, and an integrated payroll system update.

Warminster Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Warminster Area Board met to elect a new chair and vice-chair, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Russell Hawker was elected as Chairman, Councillor Barry Pirie as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Bill Parks as the Lead Representative to the LHFIG.

Bradford on Avon Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Bradford on Avon Area Board met on Tuesday 20 May 2025 and appointed Councillor Trevor Carbin as Chairman and Councillor Nigel White as Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year. Councillor Trevor Carbin was also appointed as the Lead Representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).

Chippenham and Villages Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Chippenham and Villages Area Board met to appoint a chair, vice-chair, and representatives to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Liz Alstrom was appointed as Chairman, Councillor Ross Henning as Vice-Chairman, and Councillors Ross Henning and Adrian Foster as representatives to the LHFIG.

Stonehenge Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Stonehenge Area Board met on Tuesday 20 May 2025 to elect a chair and vice-chair for the forthcoming year, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling was elected as Chairman, Councillor Dr Monica Devendran was elected as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling was appointed as the board's lead representative on the LHFIG.

Melksham Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

At the Melksham Area Board meeting, Councillor Jon Hubbard was elected as Chairman, Councillor Jennie Westbrook was elected as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Andrew Griffin was appointed as the Lead Representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).

Pewsey Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Pewsey Area Board met to appoint a chair and vice-chair, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Jerry Kunkler was appointed as Chairman, Councillor Paul Oatway QPM was appointed as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Jerry Kunkler was appointed as the Lead Representative to the LHFIG.

Westbury Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Westbury Area Board met to elect a chair and vice-chair for the forthcoming year, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Robert Smith was elected as Chairman, Councillor Gordon King as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Boaz Barry was appointed as the Lead Representative to the LHFIG.

Eastern Wiltshire Area Committee - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Eastern Wiltshire Area Committee met on 20 May 2025 and appointed Councillor Jane Davies as Chairman and Councillor Kymee Cleasby as Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year. The committee also agreed on substitution arrangements for members on the Marlborough, Pewsey, and Tidworth Area Boards.

Tidworth Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Tidworth Area Board met to appoint a chair and vice-chair, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Dave Lumsden was elected as Chairman, Councillor Christopher Williams as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Keith Allen as the lead member for LHFIG for 2025/26.

Salisbury Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Salisbury Area Board met to elect a chair and vice-chair, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Paul Sample JP was elected as Chairman and Councillor Ricky Rogers was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Salisbury Area Board for 2025/26. Councillor Brian Dalton was appointed as Lead Member for Salisbury LHFIG for 2025/26.

Calne Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Calne Area Board met to elect a chair and vice-chair, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Ashley O'Neill was elected as Chairman, Councillor Sam Pearce-Kearney as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Ashley O'Neill was also appointed as the Area Board’s lead representative on the LHFIG.

This week in Wiltshire:

• The Western Area Licensing Sub Committee was scheduled to discuss a premises licence for the Wiltshire Throwback Festival at Melksham Football and Rugby Club, including concerns about noise, traffic, and safety.

Western Area Licensing Sub Committee - Monday 28 April 2025

The Western Area Licensing Sub Committee was scheduled to convene to consider an application for a time-limited premises licence for the Wiltshire Throwback Festival, proposed to be held at Melksham Football and Rugby Club in Melksham. The application, submitted by Jarboom Limited, sought permission for regulated entertainment, including live and recorded music, and the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises. The report pack included the procedure for the meeting.

Licensing Application for Wiltshire Throwback Festival

Jarboom Limited applied for a time-limited premises licence to hold the Wiltshire Throwback Festival at Melksham Football and Rugby Club, Eastern Way, Melksham, SN12 7GU. The application requested permission to provide regulated entertainment in the form of live and recorded music, and to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises.

The original application specified the hours for licensable activities as: Friday: 13:00 – 23:00, Saturday: 13:00 – 23:00, Sunday: 12:00 – 21:00. However, this was later amended to align with timings on public notices, resulting in the following hours: Friday: 16:00 – 23:00, Saturday: 13:00 – 23:00, Sunday: 12:00 – 20:00.

The application stated that the licensable area would encompass the grounds of Melksham Rugby and Football clubs, with each club utilising their existing licences for activities within their respective clubhouses. The applicant estimated an attendance of 7,500 people. This is a significant number of attendees, representing more than 30% of the population of Melksham¹.

Representations

The council received representations from Melksham Town Council, Wiltshire Council Highways Operations, and Wiltshire Police.

Melksham Town Council raised concerns regarding noise disturbance in a residential area, potential crime and disorder, and traffic congestion. Matt Perrott, Highways Operations, Wiltshire Council, highlighted a lack of clarity and confidence regarding emergency routes and the potential impact on the local community and road network. Wiltshire Police raised concerns about inadequate traffic management, the suitability of the designated RVP², inadequate emergency routes, an insufficient security plan, and the absence of an alcohol and drugs management plan.

Event Safety Advisory Group (ESAG)

Two Event Safety Advisory Group (ESAG) meetings were held to discuss the event. Responses from ESAG members, including Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, the Chair of the Event Safety Advisory Group, Development Management, Highways, and Environmental Protection, were included in the report pack.

Existing Premises Licences

The report pack included copies of existing premises licences held by Melksham Town Football Club and Melksham Rugby Club. These licences, however, did not cover the area or the number of people anticipated for the festival.

Procedure for the Meeting

The meeting was scheduled to follow the procedure outlined in the report pack, which included: Election of a Chairman, Introductions and declarations of interest, Presentation of the Licensing Officer's report, Submissions from the applicant, responsible authorities, and those who have made relevant representations, Questions and closing submissions, Private deliberation by the Sub Committee, followed by a decision communicated to the parties.

The procedure also stated that the principles of ‘natural justice’, and Article 6 ‘Right to a Fair Trial’, which is one of the Convention Rights in the Human Rights Act 1998, require that there is a fair Hearing of Applications.

Considerations for the Sub-Committee

The Licensing Sub-Committee was required to consider the application in accordance with Section 18(3) of the Licensing Act 2003 and take steps it considered appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives³.

These objectives are: The prevention of crime and disorder, Public safety, The prevention of public nuisance, and The protection of children from harm.

The steps available to the sub-committee included: Granting the licence subject to conditions, Excluding licensable activities from the scope of the licence, Refusing to specify a person as the designated premises supervisor, and Rejecting the application.

Legal Implications

The hearing was to be governed by the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations. The report pack stated that all parties who had made representations had been informed of their right to attend and be represented at the hearing.

This week in Wiltshire:

• The Strategic Planning Committee granted outline permission for 55 homes in Holt, prioritising social housing and addressing footpath concerns.
• The Strategic Planning Committee deferred a decision on 40 dwellings in Westbury, citing access and density concerns.
• The Northern Area Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss planning applications in Lydiard Millicent, including a residential development and alterations to a farm building.
• The Eastern Area Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss planning applications for The Wheatsheaf Inn in Chilton Foliat, focusing on community importance and heritage impact.

Strategic Planning Committee - Tuesday 15 April 2025

The Strategic Planning Committee met to discuss planning applications for residential developments in Holt and Westbury, as well as to note a planning appeal. Outline permission was granted for a residential development in Holt, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, while a decision on a residential development in Westbury was deferred to allow for further consideration of access and density concerns.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee noted an appeal for a solar farm application at Land South of Salisbury Road, near Homington, Coombe Bissett, Salisbury. Details of changes to conditions for a previous application at Land at Blackmore Farm, Sandridge Common, Melksham were also noted.

Land North of Melksham Road in Holt

The committee considered an outline planning application for up to 55 residential units, with all matters reserved except for access. Redcliffe Homes ¹ is the applicant for the development.

Key points of discussion included:

• Footpaths: Councillor Adrian Foster raised concerns about the continuity and safety of footpaths into the village. It was confirmed that a footpath would be provided, but existing footpaths were in need of improvement.
• Typographical Error: Councillor Richard Britton pointed out a double negative in the report regarding developer contributions to existing footpaths, which was acknowledged and corrected.
• Illustrative Drawings: Councillor Elizabeth Threlfall noted that the drawings of the proposed houses were not part of the permission and that building heights would be determined at the reserved matters stage.
• Timescales: Redcliffe Homes stated their intention to begin work early the following year and complete the site within two years. The committee agreed to reduce the time limit for submitting reserved matters from three years to two.
• Affordable Housing: Councillor Foster challenged the proposal for affordable housing, arguing that the council should be prioritising social housing instead. It was agreed that the Section 106 agreement would be amended to reflect this priority.
• Aesthetics: Councillor Christopher Newbury, Vice-Chairman of the Council, raised concerns about the aesthetics of the proposed development and requested that the houses be set back from Melksham Road.

Objectors raised concerns about safety, sustainability, and the impact on the landscape. Lisa Wicks, a Holt resident, highlighted safety issues on the B3107 and questioned the accuracy of the applicant's sustainability claims. Kate Leroy, also a Holt resident, argued that the development would degrade the Wiltshire landscape. Richard Goodman, another Holt resident, expressed concerns about road safety and the lack of traffic calming measures.

David Hagan, planning manager at Redcliffe Homes, and Tom O'Connor, managing director of Redcliffe Homes, spoke in support of the application, highlighting the benefits of the scheme, including affordable housing, public open space, and sustainable construction methods. Mr O'Connor agreed to provide 13 social rent homes as part of the development.

Steve Siddle from Holt Parish Council, and Councillor Trevor Carbin, both spoke against the application, raising concerns about highways, landscape, and sustainability.

The committee voted to approve the application, subject to conditions including the provision of social rent housing, a traffic order to be submitted before development is above slab level, and changes to the construction management plan.

Land off Freestone Grove, Westbury

The committee considered an outline planning application for up to 40 dwellings, with all matters reserved.

Key points of discussion included:

• Local Plan: Councillor Foster questioned why the site was not included in the emerging local plan. It was explained that the site was initially intended to be progressed through the neighbourhood plan.
• Access: Councillor Foster questioned why access was not being provided via Coach Road. It was explained that Coach Road is a single-lane road with limited passing places.
• Affordable Housing: Councillor Foster expressed disappointment that the proposal only included 30% affordable housing, rather than the council's preferred 40%.
• Density: Councillor Carole King raised concerns about the density of the proposed development.
• Construction Traffic: Concerns were raised about the impact of construction traffic on the existing residential estate.

Objectors raised concerns about the impact on the neighbourhood, road safety, and the environment. Patty Griffin, a local resident, spoke against the proposed build, citing concerns about construction traffic and safety. Taryn Usually, another local resident, raised concerns about drainage and road access. Councillor Philip Harcourt, speaking on behalf of Westbury Town Council, objected to the application, citing concerns about access, highways, construction management, and biodiversity. Councillor Gordon King also objected to the application, raising concerns about the density of the development and the lack of ecological net gain.

Councillor Richard Britton proposed a motion to defer the application to allow the applicant to consider alternative access proposals. The motion was seconded by Councillor Foster and was carried unanimously. The committee also requested that the applicant consider reducing the number of houses to 30 and reducing the time limit for submitting reserved matters to two years.

Northern Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16 April 2025

The Northern Area Planning Committee were scheduled to meet on 16 April 2025 to discuss planning appeals, updates, and consider two planning applications in Lydiard Millicent. One application concerned alterations to a building at Lydiard House Farm and the other the development of nine dwellings off Stone Lane.

Eastern Area Planning Committee - Thursday 17 April 2025

The Eastern Area Planning Committee were scheduled to discuss planning appeals, updates, and planning applications for The Wheatsheaf Inn in Chilton Foliat. They were also scheduled to review the minutes from the previous meeting.

Southern Area Planning Committee - Thursday 17 April 2025

The Southern Area Planning Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss planning appeals, updates, and consider planning applications. The main focus was to be on an application concerning alterations to a listed building at 10 The Borough, Downton.

This week in Wiltshire:

• The Cabinet meeting was held, but no transcript or summary was available.
• The Northern Area Licensing Sub Committee was scheduled to discuss a new premises licence for 8 Market Place, Box, Corsham, focusing on potential public nuisance.
• The Standards Committee was scheduled to discuss DBS checks for councillors, motions about council procedure, and code of conduct complaints.
• The Audit and Governance Committee was scheduled to discuss external audit reports, approve accounting policies, and review internal audit updates.

Northern Area Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday 08 April 2025

The Northern Area Licensing Sub Committee was scheduled to convene to consider an application for a premises licence and to elect a chairman for the meeting. The main item for consideration was the application submitted by Box Catering Ltd for a new premises licence at 8 Market Place, Box, Corsham. The report pack included the procedure for the meeting, the licensing application, and representations received.

Licensing Application - 8 Market Place, Box, Corsham

The sub committee was scheduled to review and make a determination on the application for a premises licence submitted by Box Catering Ltd for 8 Market Place, Box, Corsham, SN13 8NZ. The application seeks permission to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises between 12:00 and 22:00 every day, and to open to the public between 09:00 and 22:00 daily.

According to the report of the Public Protection Officer (Licensing), the Licensing Sub Committee is required to consider the application with regard to representations made, relevant government guidance, and the council’s licensing policy, and must take appropriate steps for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The licensing objectives are: , the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The steps that the sub committee can take are: grant the licence subject to conditions, exclude any licensable activity from the scope of the application, refuse to specify a person as the designated premises supervisor, and reject the application.

The application from Box Catering Ltd indicates that the premises is a restaurant and bar of approximately 45 square metres. The business intends to sell wine, beer, cocktails and spirits. The application states that there is no outside seating area.

The report pack notes that two relevant representations were received from local residents, but no representations were received from any Responsible Authorities¹. The representations relate to the prevention of public nuisance.

One representation, from a resident of Market Place, Box, expresses concern that the introduction of an alcohol-licensed business will increase noise levels, disrupting the peace and quiet. They also raise concerns about smokers using the road, potentially contributing to litter, and the potential for increased public disturbances.

The second representation, from a resident of High Street, Box, expresses concern about the level of noise an alcohol licence and associated late-night opening hours will have on the local amenity. They suggest a reduction in trading hours to lunchtime trading only.

The report pack includes a plan showing other premises in the vicinity that benefit from ON sales² on their premises licence, including The Queens Head, High Street, Box, Corsham, SN13 8NH.

Election of Chairman

The committee was scheduled to elect a chairman for the meeting.

Standards Committee - Wednesday 09 April 2025

The Standards Committee of Wiltshire Council were scheduled to meet on 9 April 2025 to discuss a number of issues including motions referred from Full Council, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for elected members, and a status report on code of conduct complaints.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks

The committee were scheduled to discuss the council’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) operational policy for elected members. A DBS check shows a person’s criminal convictions and cautions. There are different levels of checks, including basic and enhanced checks. Basic checks show unspent convictions and conditional cautions, while enhanced checks also show spent convictions and cautions, subject to filtering, and relevant non-conviction information from the police.

The report pack noted that the council cannot legally compel any member to undergo a DBS check. However, the government is considering recommendations that enhanced checks become mandatory for councillors appointed to committees involved in decisions on the provision of children’s services or vulnerable adults.

Currently, Wiltshire Council undertakes enhanced DBS checks for members in positions and roles likely or potentially involving work with children’s services or vulnerable adults, or exempt information relating to them, amounting to approximately 25% of all members. These roles include: All members of the Cabinet, Relevant Portfolio Holders (e.g. those relating to Children and Vulnerable Adults), All members and substitutes of the Corporate Parenting Panel and Safeguarding Children & Young People Panel, Any member that carries out a Regulation 44 inspection visits to any Wiltshire Council residential settings, All members and substitutes of the Children’s Select Committee and Health Select Committee, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Health and Wellbeing Board, and Any member appointed to a Task Group or Working Group reviewing the provision of children’s services or services for vulnerable adults.

It was also scheduled for discussion that basic checks be rolled out for all members. The Monitoring Officer and relevant group leader would be informed of progress and any delay by a member in prioritising the completion of their DBS check. Where a DBS check contains information, the member will be asked to provide a copy of the DBS certificate to the Monitoring Officer.

The committee were asked to consider the following options: Carry out enhanced checks on all members, Carry out basic checks on all members and co-opted members and enhanced DBS checks for the roles listed above, and Carry out only enhanced DBS checks for the roles set out under Option 2.

Motions Referred from Full Council

The committee were scheduled to consider two motions referred to them from Full Council on 25 February 2025.

Motion 2025-02 – Questions Procedure at Cabinet Meetings

This motion, proposed by Councillor Jon Hubbard and Councillor Ian Thorn, sought to restore councillors' right to ask unnotified questions at the beginning of cabinet meetings. The motion proposed that councillors be allowed to ask up to three questions at the beginning of cabinet meetings without prior notice, and that these questions would not need to be related to items on the formal agenda. The motion also proposed that this new approach be reviewed after 12 months.

The report pack noted that the current Cabinet Procedure Rules give broad discretion to the Leader of the Council, stating that the arrangements will be kept under review and are a matter for determination by the Leader.

The Standards Committee were asked to consider whether they supported the principle of the change proposed by Motion 2025-02, and if so, what constitutional wording would give effect to that principle.

Motion 2025-03 – Procedure for Appointment of Portfolio Holders

This motion, proposed by Councillor Edward Kirk and Councillor Mike Sankey, sought a specific wording change to Part 3C of the Constitution (Scheme of Delegation – Executive Arrangements). The motion proposed that the appointment of Portfolio Holders be subject to the requirement being approved by Full Council.

The current wording in Part 3C of the Constitution states:

The Leader may also appoint other Members as ‘Portfolio Holders’ to assist Cabinet Members with the oversight, policy development and management of their areas of responsibilities.

The proposed amendment would change the wording to:

The Leader may also appoint other Members as ‘Portfolio Holders’ to assist Cabinet Members with the oversight, policy development and management of their areas of responsibilities, subject to the requirement being approved by Full Council.

The Standards Committee were asked to consider whether they supported the principle of the change proposed by Motion 2025-03, and if so, whether the proposed wording was sufficient or appropriate to achieve that principle, or if further drafting would be needed.

Status Report on Code of Conduct Complaints

The committee were scheduled to note the status report on the current position on Code of Conduct Complaints. Between 24 September 2024 and 31 March 2025, the Monitoring Officer received 44 complaints under codes of conduct.

23 were dismissed by the Monitoring Officer under paragraph 4.2.8 of Protocol 11³, 1 was dismissed by the Monitoring Officer under paragraph 4.2.7 due to the complaint being regarding the actions of a council as a corporate body rather than an individual councillor, 2 were dismissed by the Monitoring Officer under paragraph 4.2.6 due to the same, or substantially the same, incident having been already determined, 7 were dismissed by the Monitoring Officer due to being out of time under paragraph 4.2.1, 3 were dismissed by the Monitoring Officer under paragraph 3.4.2 due to the allegations having related to a councillor acting in their private capacity, 1 was dismissed by the Monitoring Officer under paragraph 3.4.3 as the member was no longer a member of the relevant council, 1 was withdrawn by the complainant, 2 were determined as requiring No Further Action by the Assessment Sub-Committee, 2 were referred by the Assessment Sub-Committee to the Monitoring Officer for alternative resolution (an apology from the subject member), and 2 were awaiting assessment by the Monitoring Officer.

Audit and Governance Committee - Thursday 10 April 2025

The Audit and Governance Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Thursday 10 April 2025 to consider external audit reports, the statement of accounts, accounting policies and internal audit updates. The committee was also scheduled to review and approve the council's accounting policies for the financial year 2024/25 and to note the forward work programme. A key item for discussion was the approval of the 2023/24 Statement of Accounts, with a recommendation to delegate final approval to the S151 Officer⁴ in consultation with the Chair of the Audit & Governance Committee.

External Audit Reports

The committee was scheduled to receive external audit reports from Grant Thornton, including: Interim Auditors Annual Report on Wiltshire Council 2023/24, Conclusion of the Audit 2023/24 - letter to those charged with governance, and Disclaimer of opinion 2023/24.

Statement of Accounts 2023/24

The report pack included the draft Statement of Accounts 2023/24, which detailed the financial performance and position of the council for the year. The report requested that the committee:

Delegate approval of the following items to the S151 Officer in consultation with the Chair of the Audit & Governance Committee to allow the accounts and audit processes to draw to final conclusion: a. The Letters of Representation for the 2023/24 financial year for both Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Pension Fund. b. The Statement of Accounts 2023/24. The report also requested approval of an amendment to the Annual Governance Statement (AGS) to reflect the expected disclaimer of opinion from the External Auditor for 2023/24. The proposed amendment to the Annual Governance Statement was:

The Council has been working with the External Auditor to agree an approach to drawing the outstanding accounts to conclusion. The Council accepted an ‘except for’ qualification for the 2018/19 accounts associated with the queries associated with the historic balances within the revaluation reserve and the capital adjustment account. The Council has accepted a disclaimer of opinion for the 2019/20 accounts and accepted a disclaimer of opinion for the 2020/21-2023/24 accounts issued under the backstop regulations and has implemented various improvements and additional controls to address the deficiencies reported by the External Auditor for 2019/20. Details of the auditor’s opinions can be found in the auditor’s ISA260 reports for these years.

The report noted that Grant Thornton were expected to issue a ‘disclaimer of opinion’ on the accounts. The report also noted that since the draft Statement of Accounts for 2023/24 were published on 21 March 2025, two material presentational changes would be made to the accounts prior to publication of the final accounts: move the Expenditure Funding Analysis to the Notes to the Accounts, and present Non-Current Assets from the Stone Circle group of companies in the “Group Accounts” in Other Land and Building, that are currently presented in Council Dwellings.

Accounting Policies 2024/25

The committee was scheduled to consider the Accounting Policies for 2024/25, which are used in the preparation of the draft Statement of Accounts. The report recommended that the committee approve the policies, which are in line with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)’s Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting for the year ending 31 March 2025. The report noted that the only significant change to the accounting regulations since last year is the mandatory requirement to report finance leases in line with IRFS16⁵.

Internal Audit Update Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an internal audit update report from SWAP⁶, which included: a rolling opinion to support the end of year annual opinion, details of any significant risks identified in their work, and progress of mitigating previously identified significant risks. The report noted that since the last progress report in January 2025, SWAP had issued three Limited assurance reports on the areas and activities audited for Business Continuity, Leisure Income and Business Information & Data Quality. The report also noted that SWAP had conducted follow up reviews for the three Limited assurance opinion key financial control reports issued last year and had concluded that a number of management actions remain in progress.

Internal Audit Annual Opinion 2024/25

The committee was scheduled to receive the Internal Audit Annual Opinion 2024/25 from SWAP. The report noted that SWAP were able to offer a Reasonable Assurance in respect of the areas reviewed during the year, but that concerns remain around the Council’s ability to implement agreed actions within the key financial systems. The report also noted that there had been two significant corporate risks identified in the work Internal Audit work undertaken in 2024/25: Landlord Compliance, Fire Safety – General Fund Assets, and Business Continuity.

Internal Audit Planning Paper 2025/26

The committee was scheduled to receive the Internal Audit Planning Paper 2025/26 from SWAP. The report noted that SWAP has been working with Senior Management in Wiltshire Council to build on delivering a fully flexible and responsive approach to audit planning. The report also noted that the resulting programme will be a combination of requested audit work aligned to corporate priorities, combined with audit work recommended by SWAP, driven by their continuous risk assessment.

Internal Audit Mandate and Charter

The committee was scheduled to receive the Internal Audit Mandate and Charter from SWAP. The charter defines the purpose, authority, and responsibility of the internal audit activity. It establishes the internal audit function’s position within the organization, authorizes access to records, personnel, and physical properties relevant to the performance of engagements, and defines the scope of internal audit activities.

Direct Payments Children's internal audit - management action plans update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the management action plans in relation to a limited assurance internal audit, Direct Payments Children’s. The update included information on eligibility criteria for accessing direct payments, the Family Support Panel process, and quality assurance measures. The update also noted that all finance officers have access to the Direct Payment spreadsheet and have been provided with a guide on how to oversee the spreadsheet.

Business Continuity internal audit - management action plans

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation on management action plans in relation to a limited assurance internal audit on Business Continuity. The presentation noted that Wiltshire Council has shown itself able to respond well to significant major incidents and their challenges, but that alongside the ability to react to emergency events, the constancy and stability of services must be enabled through appropriate Business Continuity planning. The presentation also noted that planned and exercised Business Continuity Plans are key to enable future responses to challenges which might only impact a limited set of services, or the full range.

Business Information and Data Quality internal audit - management action plans

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation on management action plans in relation to a limited assurance internal audit on Business Information and Data Quality. The presentation noted that the Council’s desire to introduce a corporate Data & Insight function has been met and a team is in place, however the council’s ability to properly exploit these new capabilities and create the broader data-related cultural conditions for success has highlighted challenges in data governance, training and wider data responsibilities.

Leisure Income Financial Controls internal audit - management action plans

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation on management action plans in relation to a limited assurance internal audit on Leisure Income Financial Controls. The presentation included updates on actions related to PCI DSS compliance, access to safes and restricted areas, formalizing action plans, system access, reconciliation process delays, and policies and procedures.

Forward Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to note the Forward Work Programme. Items listed for future meetings included: External Auditors progress report, External Audit Plans 2024/25, Internal Audit update report, Whistleblowing activity update, Risk Management annual update, Anti-Fraud Corruption and Bribery activity update, Policy Review Process, Key Partnerships Performance, AGS 2024/25, Stone Circle Governance annual update, ICT Network Boundary Defences IA – management update on actions, Statement of Accounts 2024/25, Audit Findings Report (ISA 260), Auditors Report (inc. opinion), Auditor’s Annual Report (inc. key outputs and value for money), Policy reviews and updates: Anti-Fraud, Corruption and Bribery, Anti-Tax Evasion, Anti-Money Laundering, Whistleblowing, Internal Audit Annual Opinion, Internal Audit Mandate and Charter, and Accounting Policies 2025/26.

Southern Area Planning Committee - Thursday 10 April 2025

The Southern Area Planning Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss planning applications, including one described as a very nuanced listed building case. The committee was also scheduled to note any planning appeals and updates.

Planning Application: 10 The Borough, Downton

The committee was scheduled to consider a planning application for 10 The Borough, Downton, Salisbury, SP5 3ND. The application, PL/2025/02191, concerned the raising of an existing timber beam above the staircase opening to provide headroom for a stair lift, and the conversion of a bathroom into a wet room with Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant fixtures and fittings.

The applicant was named in the report pack as Mr and Ms Dixon and Lydia.

The report pack noted that the application was brought to the committee at the request of Councillor Richard Clewer, the local division member, who felt that the application balanced harm to the building and harm to the residents.

The planning officer, Jocelyn Sage, recommended that planning permission be refused.

Key issues to be considered were the effect that the proposed changes would have on the grade II listed building⁷, including the raising of the listed beam above the staircase to accommodate a stairlift, and the conversion of the existing bathroom into a wet room.

The property is one of a terrace of listed properties in The Borough, a two-storey black and white timbered property with a thatched roof.

The report pack noted that number 10 The Borough, together with number 8, was listed in 1960, with a subsequent revisit on 4 July 1985. The list description reads:

Pair of cottages at end of row. A/I:E / 1700 on stone tablet on front. Flemish bond brick, thatched roof, brick stacks. One storey and attic, 3 windows. No. 8 has planked door in chamfered wooden case, No. 10 has C20 door to left, 2-light recessed chamfered mullioned window to No. 8, No. 10 has two 2-light casements. Attic has eyebrow dormers with 2-light casements. Right return is rendered. Rear of No. 8 has planked door and 2- light casements, No. 10 has C20 porch and 2-light casements. Interior of No. 10 altered, No. 8 has planked doors, wooden latch on door to winding stairs which are to south side of blocked open fireplace, chamfered ceiling beam.

The report pack detailed relevant planning history, including a previously refused application, PL/2024/08168, for essentially the same works. This application was refused on 15 November 2024 because:

The proposed alteration to the timber frame by reason of its permanent damage to the frame fails to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the listed building and as this is harm to the listed building would fail to preserve or enhance the conservation area. This is contrary to Sections 16 and 66(1) and 72 (1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act 1990 and Policies CP57 and CP58 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy adopted

The proposal also does not accord with paragraph 203 of the National Planning Policy Framework which highlights, amongst other things, the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets’.

The current application was amended so that the intention was to re-use the existing oak beam, so it would ‘sit on top of the oak lintel frame’ rather than use a new piece of oak. The revised application was accompanied by a heritage appraisal by an independent heritage consultant.

The applicant’s heritage consultant concluded that the proposals would amount to ‘less than substantial harm’ but at the lower end of the spectrum. The planning officer, however, judged the harm to be at the middle of the spectrum, because the chamfered lintel is original fabric of over 300 years old and is in its original location.

The report pack noted the comments of the Downton Society, who strongly supported the application, taking a pragmatic view that old buildings may sometimes need minor adaptation to meet the needs of people living in the present age. The Downton Society also drew attention to provisions within the Equality Act 2010 and Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995, which state that with a proper approach it should normally be possible to plan suitable access for disabled people without compromising a building's special interest.

The planning officer, however, gave limited weight to these comments, noting that the quotation relates to service providers in listed buildings or buildings in public use. The planning officer also noted that the applicants could make use of the existing ground floor spaces, and that the existing cottage has a modern single-storey rear extension which could be adapted to offer an alternative, less impactful, ground floor location for a downstairs bedroom/wet room.

The planning officer concluded that the application must be determined on the basis of the proposals and their impact on historic fabric alone, and in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee was scheduled to receive details of any appeal decisions.