Issue - meetings

    To receive a report from the Chief Executive.

Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management, and Strategic Planning, presented a report recommending Cabinet endorse the amended Wiltshire Design Guide as set out in Agenda Supplement 2, and recommend Council adopt it as a supplementary planning document.

Details were provided on the extent of consultation on the design guide, to expand upon Core Policy 57 to ensure high quality design and place shaping and provide a framework for this for developers to utilise.

The Leader stated it was unfortunately not practical to develop a compulsory design code, and the proposed design guidance would be a positive and impactful addition to the planning documents.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Education, and Skills, drew attention to the guide’s support for attached housing informed by the character of the location.

Cllr Jerry Kunkler, Chairman of the Environment Select Committee, stated the design guide had been reviewed by the Committee in 2023 prior to consultation. He had been further briefed on 8 January 2024 on amendments to the guide and was supportive of the proposals.

Cllr Gordon King agreed development of a design guide was a positive step and was hopeful it would encourage developers to choose more appropriate designs for local settings.

At the conclusion of discussion, it was then,

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

a)    Notes the response to the consultation on the draft Wiltshire Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (the WDG) set out in the Consultation Statement at Appendix 1.

b)   Endorses the amended WDG as set out in Appendix 2.

c)    Approve the referral of the final version of the WDG (Appendix 2) to Council on 20 February 2024 for adoption as a supplementary planning document.

d)   Subject to approval of Council, delegate to the Corporate Director, Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Development and Strategic Planning, the power to undertake the final stages associated with the formal adoption and publication of the WDG, including any minor textual changes in the interests of clarity and accuracy.

Reason

To ensure that the Wiltshire Design Guide is formally adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) that provides guidance to developers that supports Core Policy 57: Ensuring high quality design and place shaping.

In a change to the agenda order the Revised Nutrient Neutrality Strategy was taken after consideration of the Proposed Closure of Shalbourne Church of England Primary School and the School Admissions Policy 2025/26.