This week in Wiltshire:

Trowbridge Shop Faces Licence Review After Illicit Tobacco Seizures

A Trowbridge convenience shop, 7 Days Trowbridge Ltd, is facing a review of its premises licence following a closure order issued by Salisbury Magistrates Court. The Western Area Licensing Sub Committee was scheduled to convene to consider representations from Trading Standards and the Licensing Authority, who allege the shop has been selling illicit tobacco and vape products.

• Closure Order: The shop was closed for one month following a court order sought by Wiltshire Council's Trading Standards team.
• Trading Standards Allegations: Trading Standards claims to have received numerous reports since the business opened in June 2022, detailing the sale of illicit tobacco products and illegal disposable vapes.
• Undercover Purchases: Trading Standards alleges that an undercover officer purchased counterfeit cigarettes at the premises in July 2023.
• Seizures: Trading Standards claims to have seized hundreds of illegal disposable nicotine inhaling vapes and non-compliant labelled tobacco products from the premises.
• Licensing Authority Concerns: The Licensing Authority has expressed concerns about the premises licence holder's ability to comply with the Licensing Act 2003, noting a history of reports and intelligence concerning activity at the premises.
• Possible Outcomes: The sub-committee could modify the licence conditions, suspend the licence, or even revoke it entirely.

The outcome of this review could have significant implications for the business and the local community, as the sale of illicit tobacco and unregulated vaping products is known to contribute to increased crime and disorder.

Salisbury Hotel Rooftop Bar Approved Despite Height Restrictions

The Southern Area Planning Committee has approved planning applications relating to The Cathedral Hotel in Salisbury, including a controversial rooftop bar, despite the proposed development exceeding local height restrictions. The meeting saw councillors weigh the economic benefits of the project against concerns about its impact on the city's skyline.

• Economic Boost: Councillor Paul Sample JP, Unitary Division Member, argued that the £10 million investment would bring a valuable asset back into use, create jobs, and boost tourism.
• Skyline Policy: The proposed rooftop bar exceeds the 40ft height limit specified in the Wiltshire Core Strategy policy CP22.
• Community Support: The committee noted strong support from the local community and the Wilts Economic Development team.
• Visual Improvement: The committee considered that the development would result in a net reduction in visual height compared to existing non-permitted structures on the rooftop.
• Conditions Applied: The committee requested conditions to manage rooftop paraphernalia, light spill, and tinted glass for the rooftop balustrade.

The decision has sparked debate about the balance between economic development and preserving Salisbury's historic character. While some welcome the investment and job creation, others fear that it could set a precedent for future developments that disregard established planning policies.

Council Cabinet Outlines 10-Year Plan, Faces Scrutiny Over Financial Transparency

The Wiltshire Council Cabinet met to discuss a range of issues, including an outline of the Council Plan 2025-2035, a bat mitigation strategy, and the disposal of surplus assets. The meeting also saw backbench members question the Cabinet on various issues, including a controversial decision to soften the council's stance on fly-tipping.

• Council Plan 2025-2035: The ten-year plan is designed around three principles: Together, Fair, and Open. It sets out a number of priorities, including supporting people to have fulfilling lives, protecting communities, and enhancing the environment.
• Bat Mitigation Strategy: The Cabinet considered a report on the Trowbridge and Westbury Bat Mitigation Strategy (TWBMS), which sets out survey and mitigation requirements to ensure that planned growth will not adversely affect the integrity of the Bath and Bradford-on-Avon Bats Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
• Disposal Update: The Cabinet discussed a report on the disposal of surplus assets, seeking approval to declare four specific sites as surplus to requirements.
• Backbench Questions: Councillor Nick Holder raised concerns about a lack of transparency regarding radiation found on the old golf course at RAF Melksham.
• Fly-Tipping Policy: Councillor Holder also questioned the Cabinet's decision to soften the council's stance on fly-tipping, prompting a detailed explanation from Councillor Ian Thorne, Leader of the Council, who took full responsibility for the decision.

The Cabinet meeting highlighted the council's strategic priorities for the next decade, as well as the challenges it faces in balancing economic development with environmental protection and financial sustainability. The backbench questions underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in local government.

Other Matters

• The Malmesbury Area Board approved funding for the Malmesbury Public Living Room and discussed priorities for the coming year. Meeting Link
• The Health Select Committee was scheduled to discuss a range of topics, including updates on community healthcare contracts, reablement services, performance indicators, and the progress of the new integrated care centre in Trowbridge, but no video was provided. Meeting Link
• The Warminster Area Board met to discuss community grants, local policing, and highway improvements. No video was provided. Meeting Link
• The Audit and Governance Committee was scheduled to convene to address a range of issues, including internal and external audit reports, risk management, governance statements, and policy reviews, but no video was provided. Meeting Link
• The Western Area Planning Committee were scheduled to discuss planning applications, planning appeals, and a rights of way application, but no video was provided. Meeting Link

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

• Electoral Review Committee - July 15th - Discuss electoral division variance, community governance reviews, and parish vacancies. Meeting Link
• South West Wiltshire Area Board - July 16th - Discuss local highways improvements, community grants, and updates from partner organisations. Meeting Link
• Children's Select Committee - July 16th - Discuss Ofsted judgements, school attendance, and updates from the Department for Education. Meeting Link
• Council - July 22nd - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee - July 23rd - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Wiltshire Pension Fund Committee - July 24th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link

This week in Wiltshire:

Solar Farm Sparks Heated Debate Over Landscape and Archaeology

The Strategic Planning Committee faced a difficult decision regarding a proposed solar farm near Potterne, ultimately voting to refuse the application due to unresolved archaeological concerns and landscape impact. The meeting highlighted the complexities of balancing renewable energy goals with the preservation of Wiltshire's heritage and natural beauty.

• Archaeological Concerns: Despite the applicant's willingness to address archaeological issues with a condition, the council's archaeologist insisted on intrusive investigative work before any decision, citing the potential for significant subsurface heritage.
• Landscape Impact: The committee also considered the visual impact of the solar farm on the surrounding landscape, with some members expressing concerns about the destruction of the rural character of the area.
• Conflicting Views: The Pot and Solar Action Group raised concerns about landscape destruction, ecological harm, loss of farmland, unsafe access, and inflated benefits. Market Lavington Parish Council also objected, citing concerns about construction traffic and the suitability of the site.

Councillor Baker moved to refuse the application, emphasizing the need to protect the landscape. The committee voted to refuse the application based on the officer's recommendation, with the additional reason relating to landscape impact.

Warehouse Decision Deferred Amid Ecology Concerns

The Strategic Planning Committee deferred a decision on a large warehouse and office building proposed for land south of the A365 Bath Road in Melksham, citing the need for further ecological assessment. The meeting revealed a complex interplay of economic development aspirations, environmental protection, and legal requirements.

• Economic Benefits vs. Environmental Impact: While the applicant touted the creation of 275 jobs, officers recommended refusal based on ecology, landscape harm, residential amenity, harm to a listed building, and drainage concerns.
• Habitat Regulations: The committee acknowledged that it could not legally approve the application without satisfying the habitat regulations, which require an appropriate ecological assessment.
• Applicant's Commitment: Despite the potential for a lengthy delay, the applicant stated that they would not pursue non-determination if a deferment was granted, as long as progress continued to be made.

Councillor Griffin proposed deferral of the decision pending ecological and other assessments. The motion for deferral was carried by six votes to three, with three abstentions.

Self-Build Home Approved Despite Local Objections

The Northern Area Planning Committee approved an outline application for a self-build home on land south of B4042, Long Goss, Little Somerford, Chippenham, despite objections from local parish councils. The meeting highlighted the council's duty to address the undersupply of self-build homes while considering the impact on the surrounding area.

• Housing Land Supply Shortfall: The planning officer's report acknowledged that the site is in the open countryside, where new housing development is generally contrary to the Wiltshire Core Strategy. However, it was also noted that Wiltshire Council could only demonstrate a 2.42 years housing land supply, which is a substantial shortfall.
• Self-Build Duty: The committee also considered the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015, which places a duty on local authorities to keep a register of individuals seeking to acquire serviced plots of land for self-build projects.
• Legal Agreement: The applicant agreed to enter into a Unilateral Undertaking (UU) to secure the dwelling as a self-build unit to be occupied by them.

The committee resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the satisfactory completion of a legal agreement to deliver the proposed self-build dwelling, and subject to conditions.

Other Matters

• The Devizes Area Board approved funding for various community projects, received updates on local policing and transport, and discussed strategies for supporting vulnerable residents. Meeting Link
• The Strategic Planning Committee voted to instruct officers to address a flaw in an appeal decision relating to a Gypsy and Traveller site. Meeting Link
• The Strategic Planning Committee approved the conversion of agricultural buildings in Winterbourne Earls. Meeting Link
• The Standards Committee was scheduled to discuss code of conduct complaints, proposed constitutional changes, and appointments to sub-committees and working groups, but no video was provided. Meeting Link
• The Bradford on Avon Area Board met to discuss a range of community issues, including funding requests for local initiatives, updates from partner organisations, and highway improvements. Meeting Link
• The Salisbury Area Board met to discuss a range of issues including community grants, highway improvements, and updates from partner organisations. Meeting Link

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

• Western Area Licensing Sub Committee - July 10th - Review the premises licence for 7 Days Trowbridge Ltd, a convenience shop located at 7 Wicker Hill, Trowbridge. Meeting Link
• Southern Area Planning Committee - July 10th - Discuss planning appeals and applications in the southern area of Wiltshire. Meeting Link
• Warminster Area Board - July 10th - Discuss community grants, local policing, and highway improvements. Meeting Link
• Electoral Review Committee - July 15th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• South West Wiltshire Area Board - July 16th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Children's Select Committee - July 16th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link

This week in Wiltshire:

Council Raids Reserves to Plug £4.8 Million Budget Hole

Wiltshire Council's Cabinet has approved using £4.853 million from various reserves to cover a significant overspend in the 2024/25 financial year. The decision raises concerns about the council's financial forecasting and the increasing pressures on key services, particularly adult social care.

• Where the Money Went: The overspend was primarily driven by underestimates in planning charge income, lower retained income from business rates, changes in housing benefits, and pressures on people services, especially adult social care.
• Raiding the Reserves: To cover the deficit, the council will use £700,000 from a pay award reserve, £713,000 from the waste reserve, £2 million from the transformation reserve, and £1.4 million from the insurance reserve.
• Adult Social Care Woes: Councillor Gordon King, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, noted that the problems within the adult social care budget were not solely due to payment issues, but also due to the increasing complexity of needs of individuals and families.
• Scrutiny Concerns: Councillor Nabil Najjar, presented a report on behalf of the Overview and Scrutiny (ONS) committee, which expressed concerns about the significant deviation between the Q3 forecast and the final outturn, and urged the administration and officers to learn from this and improve the financial forecasting process.

Councillor Ian Thorne, Leader of the Council, expressed his disappointment in finding such a significant deficit so early in the administration, and emphasized the need to ensure that such a situation does not recur.

The decision to draw from reserves, particularly the transformation fund, has sparked criticism, with councillors emphasizing the importance of securing fair funding from central government. This could impact the council's ability to invest in vital services and future savings initiatives.

Tidworth Residents Face Dark Footpath and Damaged Roads

The Tidworth Area Board was scheduled to discuss a range of local issues, including improvements to highways and footways. The meeting agenda highlights several concerns raised by residents, including:

• Station Road Hazards: Posts along Station Road in Tidworth are frequently knocked over, creating a trip hazard for pedestrians.
• Damaged Column: A damaged brick column on Station Road needs to be either replaced or removed.
• Dark Footpath: Residents of Upper Chute are requesting an additional street light at the end of the footpath at the top of Butts Hill, which runs from the bus shelter into Tibbs Meadow, as the path is very dark at night.
• Dangerous Bend: Cars are crashing into a bend on the A342 Butt Street / Castle Street in Ludgershall, prompting calls for collision reduction measures.

These issues, discussed at the Local Highways and Footways Improvement Group (LHFIG) meeting, highlight the need for ongoing investment in local infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

Calne Board to Consider Dementia Support and Youth Projects

The Calne Area Board was scheduled to discuss a range of community projects and initiatives, including support for vulnerable adults and activities for young people. The meeting agenda includes:

• Dementia Dome Project: A grant application from Alzheimer's Support for £1,250 towards the Calne Dementia Dome project, which aims to provide dementia awareness training for pupils from Kingsbury Green Academy.
• Youth Activities: Consideration of grant applications from Calne Town Football Club, Calne Bike Meet, and Derry Hill and Studley Village Hall Trust.

The board was also scheduled to receive updates from Wiltshire Police, Community First, Age UK, and other partner organizations.

Other Matters

• The Eastern Area Licensing Sub Committee and the Western Area Licensing Sub Committee meetings were cancelled. Eastern Area Licensing Sub Committee, Western Area Licensing Sub Committee
• The Staffing Policy Committee met to discuss workforce analytics, policy changes, and updates to annual leave policies. No video was provided. Meeting Link
• The Trowbridge Area Board were scheduled to meet to discuss community grants, officer and partner updates, and other local issues. No video was provided. Meeting Link
• The Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel met to discuss the appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer, an update from the Police and Crime Commissioner, and a review of the Police and Crime Plan. No video was provided. Meeting Link

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

• Devizes Area Board - June 30th - Discuss community grants, local highway improvements, and updates from partner organizations. Meeting Link
• Strategic Planning Committee - July 1st - Discuss planning appeals, updates, and applications, including proposals for a warehouse in Melksham and a solar farm near Devizes. Meeting Link
• Standards Committee - July 2nd - Discuss constitutional changes, code of conduct complaints, and appointments to sub-committees. Meeting Link
• Northern Area Planning Committee - July 2nd - Discuss planning appeals, updates, and a planning application for a self-build home. Meeting Link
• Bradford on Avon Area Board - July 2nd - Discuss partner updates, funding applications, and appointments to outside bodies. Meeting Link
• Salisbury Area Board - July 3rd - Discuss community grants, highway improvements, and updates from partner organizations. Meeting Link
• Southern Area Planning Committee - July 10th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Cabinet - July 8th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Malmesbury Area Board - July 8th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Health Select Committee - July 9th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Warminster Area Board - July 10th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Audit and Governance Committee - July 10th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Western Area Planning Committee - July 9th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link

This week in Wiltshire:

Council Pension Investments Face Scrutiny Over Gaza Conflict

The Wiltshire Pension Fund Committee faced a direct question from a member of the public, Alex Hall, regarding the fund's investments in companies allegedly linked to the conflict in Gaza. The question specifically named companies such as BAE Systems Plc, General Electric (GE Aerospace), and Palantir Technologies Inc, asking if the WPF intended to divest from these companies, and if not, why not.

• Ethical Concerns: The question highlights growing concerns about the ethical implications of pension fund investments and their potential complicity in human rights violations.
• Fiduciary Duty: Jennifer Devine, Head of Wiltshire Pension Fund, responded that the WPF's primary objective is to ensure sufficient assets are available to pay members' benefits, and to deliver sufficient risk-adjusted returns.
• Brunel's Role: Devine noted that 70% of the Fund's investments are managed by Brunel Pension Partnership, which reviews its exposure to the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) using information provided by the United Nations.
• Controversial Weapons: Devine also referred to a previous committee meeting where it was agreed that WPF would support Brunel in formally excluding companies involved in controversial weapons and those non-compliant with Principle 2 of the UN Global Compact.

This issue reflects a broader debate about the role of pension funds in responsible investment and the challenges of balancing financial returns with ethical considerations.

Hackney Carriage Fares Set to Rise

The Licensing Committee was scheduled to discuss proposed changes to the fees and tariffs for hackney carriages operating from taxi ranks in Wiltshire. The proposed changes include a 13.6% increase to tariff 1 mileage rate (the day rate) and a 13.3% increase to tariff 2 mileage rate (the night rate), as well as increases to waiting time charges.

• Cost of Living Impact: The proposed fare increases could disproportionately affect vulnerable residents who rely on taxis for transportation, especially those with limited mobility or access to private vehicles.
• Trade Viability: The report argues that the changes are necessary to ensure the profession remains viable for taxi drivers and that charges in Wiltshire are comparable to neighboring areas.
• Meter Updates: If approved, drivers would incur a small cost (around £20) to update their meters.

The decision highlights the balancing act between ensuring fair fares for passengers and supporting the livelihoods of taxi drivers in the face of rising operating costs.

School Transport Appeal Highlights Exceptional Circumstances

The Appeals Sub-Committee (School Transport) considered a school transport appeal, ultimately agreeing to provide a space in an existing taxi from Westbury Leigh to Lavington School due to the exceptional circumstances raised by the appellant. The sub-committee upheld the original decision that there was no obligation to provide free transport to Lavington School.

• Policy vs. Reality: This case illustrates the tension between established transport policies and the unique challenges faced by individual families.
• Vulnerable Students: The decision to provide transport acknowledges the importance of ensuring access to education for students facing exceptional circumstances.

Other Matters

• The Officer Appointments Committee was scheduled to discuss the appointment of a Director of Adult Social Care, but the meeting was cancelled. Meeting Link
• The Southern Wiltshire Area Board received a presentation on the Shared Lives scheme, which supports vulnerable adults by enabling them to live as part of a family within a carer's home. Meeting Link
• The Cabinet - Shareholder Group met to discuss updates and business plans for the Stone Circle Housing Company and Stone Circle Development Company. The public and press were excluded from part of the meeting. Meeting Link
• The Stonehenge Area Board approved grants for various community projects, including village hall improvements, recreational facilities, and community services. Meeting Link
• The Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board was scheduled to discuss flood resilience, community matters, and highway improvements. Meeting Link

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

• Tidworth Area Board - June 23rd - Discuss community engagement, partnership updates, and recommendations from the Local Highways & Footways Improvement Group (LHFIG). Meeting Link
• Cabinet - June 24th - Discuss the council's financial performance during the 2024/25 financial year. Meeting Link
• Calne Area Board - June 24th - Discuss partner updates, community engagement and various funding requests. Meeting Link
• Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel - June 26th - Discuss the appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer, an update from the Police and Crime Commissioner, and a report on the Police and Crime Plan. Meeting Link
• Staffing Policy Committee - June 26th - Consider a bi-annual workforce report, a new policy for recruitment and retention incentive payments, and updates to the annual leave and bank holiday entitlement policy. Meeting Link
• Trowbridge Area Board - June 26th - Discuss community grants, partnership updates, and highway improvements. Meeting Link
• Strategic Planning Committee - July 1st - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Standards Committee - July 2nd - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Northern Area Planning Committee - July 2nd - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Bradford on Avon Area Board - July 2nd - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Salisbury Area Board - July 3rd - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link