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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 revising the criteria for future CIL funding. Key decisions included the deferral of the Corporate Performance and Risk Monitoring Report, the approval of substantial Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding for various projects including the A350 Chippenham Bypass and active travel initiatives, and support for the Salisbury Cultural Quarter.
Corporate Performance and Risk Monitoring Report 2025/26 Q4
Consideration of the Corporate Performance and Risk Monitoring Report for the fourth quarter of 2025/26 was deferred to the next Cabinet meeting. This deferral will allow the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee to review the report, which details the council's performance against strategic priorities and provides a summary of strategic risks.
Allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy Funding
Cabinet approved the allocation of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to several key projects and programmes. Up to £1 million will support the A350 Chippenham Bypass Improvements (Phases 4 and 5), addressing a funding shortfall to secure essential government grant funding and support planned 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, aimed at enhancing walking and cycling connectivity and supporting sustainable transport objectives. 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 support more complex and higher-value highway and safety improvement projects. A flexible fund of up to £0.25 million per annum for three years (up to £0.75 million total) was also approved to support locally identified infrastructure projects proposed by parish and town councils, subject to compliance with CIL criteria. Cabinet also approved revised prioritisation criteria for allocating Strategic CIL funding, aiming for a more flexible and robust approach to decision-making.
Salisbury Cultural Quarter CIL and S.106 Support
Cabinet noted updates on the Salisbury Cultural Quarter, recognising its importance as cultural, community, and public realm infrastructure supporting Salisbury's vitality and growth. The report highlighted the recent award of £3 million from the Arts Council England's Creative Foundations Fund to Wiltshire Creative for Phase 1 of their Stage the Future
programme, which aims to renovate and modernise Salisbury Playhouse. 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 Phase 1 infrastructure elements of the Stage the Future
programme. Furthermore, 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 and to provide an underwriting commitment of up to £3 million for Wiltshire Creative's fundraising campaign for Phase 1. Cabinet also noted the ongoing development of proposals to improve the Malthouse Lane public realm using eligible Section 106 funding.
Disposal Update
Cabinet noted the progress made in generating capital receipts during the current financial year. They also approved the sale of the freehold interest in four specific assets, listed in Appendix 2, to generate capital receipts for the Council's capital programme, subject to a review to ensure these sales are in the best overall interest of the Council. The Director of Assets, or Corporate Director of Place in their absence, was authorised to dispose of the freehold interest in these assets.
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 project aims to consolidate multiple existing facilities and services into a modern, fit-for-purpose depot. Delegation was granted 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, anticipated in February 2027. Cabinet also noted that a further report would be presented should the tenders exceed the approved budget from November 2023, anticipated in March 2027.
Asset Management Update - St Stephen's Place, Trowbridge
Cabinet approved the 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 the exempt Appendix 1. Delegation was given to the Corporate Director of Place to finalise arrangements for the freehold transfer, including any minor changes to the heads of terms outlined in exempt Appendix 2. Furthermore, 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.
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 the highway authority and ensure the continued provision of vital highway services. The procurement process involved a robust assessment of tenders based on price, quality, sustainability, and social value. The most advantageous tender, considering these factors, was identified and recommended for acceptance. The specific details of the award, including the preferred bidder, were considered in a confidential Part II item.
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 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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Corporate Performance and Risk Monitoring Report 2025/26 Q4
For DeterminationCabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene, and Flooding decided to give notice of intention to make a decision on proposed waiting restrictions on Tyning Road, Winsley on 20/07/2026. The decision maker intends to proceed with the introduction of the Traffic Regulation Order as advertised. This decision supports pupils travelling to and from school safely as part of the TAOSJ proposals.
Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene & Flooding decided to consent to an application to stop up highway adjacent to 165 Littleworth Lane, Whitley on 15/07/2026. The decision maker agreed to the application on the ground that the part of the highway is unnecessary for public use or any other highway-related purpose. This aligns with the Council's aim of generating income by adopting a more commercial approach.
Cabinet decided to note and approve the Corporate Performance and Risk Monitoring Report 2025/26 on 15/07/2026. The report provides an update on performance against strategic priorities and the Council's strategic risks. The report noted that 76.9% of indicators were ranked as positive or neutral.
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Disposal Update
For DeterminationThe Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene, and Flooding approved the implementation of School Streets under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order in Melksham, Warminster, and Calne on 09/06/2026. Queens Crescent was given further time to develop an alternative Park and Stride location, and Staverton will be considered later after investigation into highway improvement measures. The decision also approved a list of legitimate exemptions.
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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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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
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