The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee met to consider a call-in request regarding the Cabinet's decision to approve the freehold transfer of the St Stephens Multi-Storey Car Park in Trowbridge to the owner of the adjoining Castle Place Shopping Centre. Councillors who requested the call-in argued that the Cabinet's decision did not adhere to the council's principles of decision-making. The committee decided to refer the decision back to the Cabinet for reconsideration.

St Stephens Multi-Storey Car Park Call-in

The main item under discussion was the call-in of the Cabinet's decision regarding the proposed freehold transfer of the St Stephens Multi-Storey Car Park (MSCP) to the owner of the adjacent Castle Place Shopping Centre.

The Cabinet had decided on 7 October 2025 to:

• Approve the freehold transfer of the car park, subject to Full Council approval of funding allocation.
• Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Resources to finalise the transfer arrangements.
• Recommend that Full Council approve the allocation of capital/revenue funds to facilitate the transfer.

The call-in was requested by Councillor Dominic Muns and co-signed by Councillors Richard Clewer, Tamara Reay, Bill Parks, Ian Blair-Pilling, Monica Devendran, Nabil Najjar, Nick Holder, Ashley O'Neil, Bridget Wayman and Rich Rogers.

Reasons for the Call-in

The councillors who requested the call-in believed that the Cabinet's decision did not align with the principles of decision-making outlined in Part 8 of the council's constitution. Specifically, they argued that the decision failed to:

• Produce action that is proportionate to the desired outcome.
• Ensure open, fair, and honest administration.
• Be clear over desired outcomes and aims.
• Record the options considered and discarded.
• State the reasons for the action.
• Consult interested parties where appropriate and practicable.
• Consult appropriate officers and seek their professional advice.
• Obtain best value and operate efficiently, effectively, and economically.
• Serve Wiltshire communities and work in partnership with other agencies having the same aim.
• Promote the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the county.
• Determine issues at the lowest level commensurate with their importance.
• Keep and sustain what is useful in the traditions of the authority and to reject any practices or services retained purely out of sentiment.

The call-in request stated that representations had been made to the Cabinet Member and other colleagues, including the Leader of the Council, but concerns about the lack of experience and knowledge in assessing the council's position in the negotiation were not addressed. The request also highlighted that the deal accepted by the Cabinet was less favourable than the initial offer made the previous year by Patet Ltd, the shopping centre owner.

The request included the following comments:

We feel this decision is based on a negotiation that the Council was ill-equipped to deal with. The simple fact that the dealthe administration accepted is far worse than the opening position of the same individual last year, demonstrates how poor the Council's stance is. This dealrepresents a financial risk to Council finances as well as wider risks to Trowbridge. We wish to see the administration pause negotiations until external expertise has been sought. This should include real estate professionals and legal experts to properly assess all the commercial aspects of the deal as well as the historic covenant.

Background to the Cabinet Decision

The Cabinet's decision was based on a report that outlined the following:

• The council owns the freehold of the St Stephens MSCP, which is linked to the adjoining Castle Place Shopping Centre.
• There has been a long-standing aspiration to redevelop the car park and shopping centre to improve connections between Trowbridge town centre and St Stephens Place.
• The owner of the shopping centre approached the council to combine interests and develop the two sites.
• The car park is nearing the end of its design life and requires substantial works.
• The council has a Deed of Covenant from 1974 that obligates it to provide a 446-space car park with level access and emergency egress from the shopping centre, and prohibits charging for parking.

The Cabinet's proposals were intended to mitigate financial risks and asset liability for the council and enable the potential redevelopment of a strategic site in Trowbridge town centre.

Car Parking Service Comments

The Car Parking service's view was that the MSCP does not comply with the Local Transport Plan (LTP) 4, as it encourages long-stay parking in the town centre, increases traffic, and does not incentivise sustainable travel. They also noted that the MSCP gives Trowbridge a different parking provision compared to other towns, as all other public car parks are chargeable.

Economic Development and Regeneration Considerations

The redevelopment of Castle Place and St Stephen's is a long-held priority for Trowbridge. The 2015 Core Strategy identifies the site as an Opportunity Site and prioritises vibrant, mixed-use development that encourages people to make linked trips between the town centre and St Stephen's Place. The Trowbridge Masterplan Refresh noted that the redevelopment of Castle Place and the MSCP has the potential to act as a catalyst for transformation in Trowbridge town centre.

Committee Decision

After considering the evidence presented, the committee decided to refer the decision back to the Cabinet for reconsideration.

Date of Next Meeting

The committee confirmed that the next meeting would take place on 19 November 2025.