Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: July 8, 2025

Purpose: To approve a new Trowbridge and Westbury Bat Mitigation Strategy which, once approved, will supersede the current Trowbridge Bat Mitigation Strategy Supplementary Planning Document, and have the objective of addressing impacts on bat habitat in and around Trowbridge and Westbury that is functionally and demographically linked to the Bath and Bradford-on-Avon Bats SAC.  

Content:   Resolved:   That Cabinet   1.    Recommends Full Council approves the proposed Trowbridge and Westbury Bat Mitigation Strategy to support the draft Local Plan and to ensure delivery of appropriate mitigation for plan-led development to ensure no adverse effects on the integrity of the Bath and Bradford on-Avon Bats SAC and the functionally linked woodlands to the east and south-east of Trowbridge.   2.    Agrees that in accordance with the requirements of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) and relevant case law, that the revised strategic approach applies to all qualifying development seeking outline, full, reserved matters and discharge of condition approval (with the exception of applications for the WHSAP site allocations and the Ashton Park Urban Extension outline planning application).   3.    Agrees that developer contributions via planning obligations will be sought from developers wishing to use the Council-led mitigation scheme. The revised strategy would be adopted with immediate effect and contributions sought as necessary.     Reason for Decision:   To demonstrate the Council’s ongoing commitment to deliver a mitigation strategy that is sufficiently robust to address development and recreational pressure on the important bat habitats around Trowbridge and Westbury.