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Cabinet - Wednesday 15 July 2026 10.00 am
July 15, 2026 at 10:00 am Cabinet View on council websiteSummary
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The Cabinet of Wiltshire Council met on Wednesday 15 July 2026, approving significant funding allocations for infrastructure projects and the procurement of a new highways consultancy contract. Key decisions included the allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding for bypass improvements, active travel, and local highway projects, as well as support for the Salisbury Cultural Quarter.
Allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy Funding
Cabinet approved the allocation of Strategic CIL funding to several key projects. Up to £1 million will support Phases 4 and 5 of the A350 Chippenham Bypass Improvements, addressing a funding shortfall essential for planned housing and employment growth in Chippenham. An annual allocation of £0.5 million for three years (£1.5 million total) was approved for an Active Travel infrastructure improvements programme, focusing on missing link
interventions to enhance walking and cycling connectivity. Additionally, £0.5 million per annum for three years (£1.5 million total) was allocated to the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Groups (LHFIG) programme to address funding pressures for substantive schemes. A further £0.25 million per annum for three years (up to £0.75 million total) was approved for locally identified infrastructure projects proposed by parish and town councils, subject to compliance with CIL criteria and governance. Cabinet also approved revised prioritisation criteria for allocating Strategic CIL funding, aiming for greater flexibility and robustness in decision-making. Delegations were given to the Director of Planning, Economy and Climate, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and the Director of Legal and Governance, to update the Infrastructure List and implement the funding allocation process.
Salisbury Cultural Quarter CIL and S.106 Support
The Cabinet noted the importance of the Salisbury Cultural Quarter as a key component of Salisbury's infrastructure, supporting its vitality and growth. They were updated on the Stage the Future
programme led by Wiltshire Creative to renovate Salisbury Playhouse, which has secured a conditional £3 million grant from Arts Council England's Creative Foundations Fund1. Cabinet approved the inclusion of the Salisbury Cultural Quarter on the council's Infrastructure List, enabling potential CIL funding. An allocation of £1 million of Strategic CIL funding was approved for eligible first-phase infrastructure elements of the Playhouse project. Furthermore, a delegation was granted to the Director of Planning, Economy and Climate, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and the Director of Legal and Governance, to enter into a grant agreement for the £1 million CIL funding. A further delegation was approved to enter into an agreement with Wiltshire Creative to underwrite their fundraising campaign for phase 1 infrastructure elements up to £3 million, to be drawn down only if other fundraising efforts fall short. The Cabinet also noted ongoing proposals to improve the Malthouse Lane public realm using eligible Section 106 funding.
Central Area Depot Melksham - Procurement
Cabinet approved the commencement of the procurement process for a supplier to deliver the construction works for the Central Area Depot in Melksham. This new depot will consolidate multiple existing facilities, including a Household Recycling Centre, office/welfare and HGV/fleet maintenance buildings, fuelling station, and associated yard areas. The procurement strategy recommends a Design and Build contracting arrangement with Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), utilising a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) under NEC4 for the first stage, followed by an NEC4 ECC Option C contract for the construction phase. The route to market will be a Competitive Flexible Procedure. Cabinet also granted delegation to the Director of Assets, Highways and Transport, after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Assets, to approve and enter into the construction contract. Cabinet noted that a further report would be presented if tender prices exceed the November 2023 approved budget.
New Term Highways Consultancy Contract Award
Cabinet agreed to award the New Term Highways Consultancy Contract. This contract is essential for the Council to fulfil its legal responsibilities as a highway authority, mitigating significant safety, legal, reputational, and financial risks. The procurement process involved assessing tenders based on price (30%), quality (45%), sustainability (15%), and social value (10%). The most advantageous tender, identified through a robust evaluation process, was approved. The new contract will ensure continuity of service for highway teams and specialist assistance for reports, studies, and bids for central government funding. The contract will be for six years with two optional two-year extensions, subject to performance monitoring.
Disposal Update
Cabinet noted the progress made in generating capital receipts during the financial year 2025/26. They approved the sale of the freehold interest of four assets, listed in Appendix 2 of the reports pack2, to generate capital receipts for the Council's capital programme, subject to a review to ensure the best overall interest of the Council is achieved. The Director of Assets, or in their absence the Corporate Director of Resources, was authorised to dispose of the freehold interest in these assets.
Asset Management Update - St Stephen's Place, Trowbridge
Cabinet approved revised terms for the transfer of St Stephen's Multi-Storey Car Park to the adjoining owner of Castle Place Shopping Centre, as detailed in exempt Appendix 1 of the reports pack3. This decision aims to mitigate financial risk and asset liability for the Council and enable the potential redevelopment of a strategic site in Trowbridge town centre. Delegation was granted to the Corporate Director of Place to finalise arrangements for the freehold transfer, including minor changes to the heads of terms. Additionally, Cabinet approved the repurposing of the capital budget previously allocated for the maintenance and repair of St Stephen's Car Park to facilitate this transfer. The structural report indicated that significant investment would be required to extend the car park's life, making the transfer the most financially prudent option for the Council.
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130 cultural venues, museums, and libraries to receive funding boost that will improve access to arts and culture across the country ↩
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Public reports pack Wednesday 15-Jul-2026 10.00 Cabinet.pdf ↩
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Public reports pack Wednesday 15-Jul-2026 10.00 Cabinet.pdf ↩
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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New Term Highways Consultancy Contract Award
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Wiltshire Council approved the award of the New Term Highways Consultancy Contract on 15 July 2026.
The Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Flooding, Cllr Caroline Thomas, decided to make the Traffic Regulation Order for Melksham Station Car Park on 7 February 2024. This order will allow Wiltshire Council to operate the car park on a Pay and Display basis.
The Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene & Flooding, Cllr Nick Holder, decided to implement proposed speed limit changes in Burton on an unspecified date. These changes include extending the 30mph speed limit on Hillside and introducing a 20mph speed limit on Nettleton Road and adjacent streets.
The Cabinet of Wiltshire Council noted and approved proposals regarding the Financial Year 2023/24 Capital Programme Outturn on 15 July 2024. This included noting additional capital budgets, budget brought forward, movements between schemes, and approving the removal of certain budgets and the roll forward of £26.870m into future years.
The Cabinet of Wiltshire Council decided to approve a budget of £900,000 over five years for the delivery of Family Group Conferences and to commission this service externally from 1 April 2025 on 17 September 2024. Authority was delegated to approve and award the new contract and any future extensions.
The Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste, Street Scene & Flooding, Cllr Caroline Thomas, decided to implement the proposed 30mph speed limit on a section of the A3102 Lyneham and Bradenstoke on an unspecified date. This reduces the speed limit from 40mph to provide a safe new access.
The Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene & Flooding, Cllr Martin Smith, decided to consent to an application to stop up part of the highway adjacent to 165 Littleworth Lane, Whitley on an unspecified date. This is on the grounds that the section of highway is unnecessary for public use.
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New Term Highways Consultancy Contract Award
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene, and Flooding decided on 15/07/2026 to proceed with extending the 30mph speed limit on C251 (Stockley) and implementing a new 40mph speed limit on Church Road (Heddington). This decision was made following consultation with officers and consideration of comments received.
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Allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy Funding
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to allocate Community Infrastructure Levy funding on 15/07/2026. They approved up to £1.0m for A350 Chippenham Bypass Improvements (Phases 4 and 5), £500,000 per annum for three years for Active Travel infrastructure improvements, £500,000 per annum for three years for the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Groups programme, and up to £250,000 per annum for three years for locally identified infrastructure projects. The Cabinet also approved revised prioritisation criteria for allocating Strategic CIL funding and delegated authority to the Director of Planning, Economy and Climate, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and the Director of Legal and Governance, to update the Infrastructure List and develop the process for considering, approving, and reporting on funding allocations.
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Central Area Depot Melksham - Procurement
Recommendations ApprovedCabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene, and Flooding decided on 20/07/2026 to give notice of intention to make a Traffic Regulation Order for proposed waiting restrictions and school keep clear markings on Tyning Road, Winsley. This decision follows consultation with officers and aims to enable pupils to travel to and from school safely.
Cabinet decided on 15/07/2026 to approve the commencement of the procurement process for the construction works of the Central Area Depot in Melksham. They also delegated authority to the Director of Assets, Highways and Transport, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Assets, to approve and enter into the construction contract. This decision is part of a strategy to rationalise and modernise the council's operational estate, consolidating multiple facilities and services.
David Redfern, Director, Leisure, Culture and Communities, decided on 15/07/2026 to approve and sign an agreement with Events Horizon to supply food for the Summer 2026 FUEL camps. This decision was made due to the existing provider's inability to fulfil the contract and the tight timescale for appointing an alternative supplier. The FUEL programme is Wiltshire's Holiday Activity and Food Programme, funded by the Department for Education.
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Asset Management Update - St Stephen's Place, Trowbridge
Recommendations Approved -
New Term Highways Consultancy Contract Award
Recommendations Approved -
Asset Management Update - St Stephen's Place, Trowbridge
Recommendations ApprovedCabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene, and Flooding decided on 15/07/2026 to proceed with applying to the magistrates' court to stop up a section of highway adjacent to 165 Littleworth Lane, Whitley. This decision was made because the section of highway is considered unnecessary for public use. The legal costs of the application will be met by Mrs. Ward.
Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene, and Flooding decided on 15/07/2026 to proceed with extending the 30mph speed limit on C251 (Stockley) and implementing a new 40mph speed limit on Church Road (Heddington). This decision was made after considering comments received following the formal advertisement of the Traffic Regulation Order. The proposals are supported by the elected Wiltshire Council Member, Heddington Parish Council, and correspondents.
Cabinet decided on 15/07/2026 to approve revised terms for the transfer of St Stephens Multi-Storey Car Park to the adjoining owner of Castle Place Shopping Centre. They also delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Place to finalise arrangements for the freehold transfer and approved the repurposing of the capital budget for maintenance and repair of St Stephen's Car Park to facilitate the transfer.
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New Term Highways Consultancy Contract Award
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to award the New Term Highways Consultancy Contract on 15/07/2026. The Cabinet agreed to award the New Term Highways Consultancy Contract.
The Cabinet agreed to note the contents and recommendations of the One Plan and the Chippenham Avon Project Master Plan, recognise them as evidence-based documents to inform the Local Plan Review and future planning guidance, and endorse them as material considerations in planning decisions. The Cabinet also noted the council's intent to contribute up to £1 million from Community Infrastructure Levy funds to the Chippenham Avon Project, subject to match funding and contractual arrangements.
The Cabinet Member for Highways and Assets decided to proceed with the asset transfer of open space to Westbury Town Council. This decision was made after considering objections received following advertisement.
The Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Flooding decided to implement a 20mph speed limit on Church Lane, Limpley Stoke. This decision was made after considering objections received during the consultation period.
The Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Flooding decided to proceed with Traffic Regulation Order amendments in Salisbury as advertised. This decision was made after considering comments received following the formal advertisement of the amendments.
The Cabinet Member for Housing Strategic Assets and Asset Transfer decided to grant a 99-year lease to Warminster Town Council for the Warminster Hub at nil consideration. This decision was made after considering the Heads of Terms and the justification for disposal at less than best consideration.
The Cabinet Member for Children's Services decided to approve the awarding of Section 31 Grant funding for the Skills Bootcamps Programme to partners who expressed interest. This decision was made to deliver the Skills Bootcamps Programme.
Wiltshire Council intends to increase the overall net capacity of Silverwood School from 460 places to 562 places from September 2026. A statutory representation period will run from 23/02/2026 until 23/03/2026 for comments or objections.
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Corporate Performance and Risk Monitoring Report 2025/26 Q4
For DeterminationCabinet Member for Children’s Services, SEND, Education and Skills decided on 25/08/2026 to intend to award grants for Skills Bootcamps. The decision was to award £52,500 to The Construction Skills People Group Ltd, £59,998.20 to Western Driver Training, and £80,000.00 to Yeovil College.
Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene & Flooding, Councillor Martin Smith, decided on 15/07/2026 to consent to an application to stop up highway adjacent to 165 Littleworth Lane, Whitley. This decision means the Council will apply to the magistrates' court for an order to stop up the highway section.
Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene & Flooding, Councillor Martin Smith, decided on 15/07/2026 to proceed with the introduction of No Waiting at Any Time restrictions and School Keep Clear Markings on Tyning Road, Winsley as advertised. This decision will implement the proposed waiting restrictions.
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