Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies.

To confirm as a true and correct record and sign the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 4 February 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 February 2025 were presented,

Resolved:

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 4 February 2025.

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee or Monitoring Officer.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive any announcements from the Leader of the Council.

There were no Leader announcements

The Council welcomes contributions from members of the public.

This meeting is open to the public, who may ask a question or make a statement. Questions may also be asked by Members of the Council. 

Questions must be submitted to committee@wiltshire.gov.uk by 12.00 noon on 26 February 2025.

Written notice of a wish to make a statement should also be provided wherever possible.

A number of general questions were received for the meeting, details of which were provided in the published agenda supplement together with written responses.

A supplementary question was received from Alex Montegriffo asking what the last sentence of the Cabinet member response is referring to - ‘Council has already supported wider calls for Government to address the wider financial challenges facing the sector and in particular the specific issues facing local authorities with Housing Stock'. Cllr Alford thanked Mr Montegriffo for his supplementary question and agreed to provide a written response.

       To receive a report from the Corporate Director, Place.

Resolved:

1. Note the contents of this report.

2. Cabinet is concerned about the substantial negative impact of the proposal and lack of detail and information from the applicant and delegates to the Director of Planning and Economy in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management and Strategic Planning to formalise the additional planning issues raised during the meeting of cabinet on 4 March for submission as part of the consultation

3. Agree the proposed response to Island Green Power for this statutory public consultation, including the council’s request that a supplementary public consultation be held, as follows:

That Wiltshire Council objects to the application on the following grounds.

Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management, and Strategic Planning, presented a report which informed Members of the Lime Down Solar Park scheme proposals and actions by Island Green Power (applicant) since their non-statutory public consultation. To confirm the council’s response to the statutory public consultation and agree the proposed delegated authority provisions to enable the council to fulfil its statutory duties about the Development Consent Order process for this solar farm development.

The Leader reported his and other Cabinet member disappointment that following an invitation to attend this meeting to respond to comments and clarify elements of their scheme proposals, Island Green Power were not present. The Leader also explained the process being used to manage consideration of the scheme proposals so that all who wished to speak had that opportunity.

The Lime Down Solar Park report was introduced by the Director of Planning, Economy and regeneration. He explained that the Wiltshire Council is the Host Authority for this scheme, designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, and one of the key statutory consultees. He noted that providing a detailed response to the scheme’s statutory consultation, the council has an opportunity to influence the scheme’s further development and refinement by the applicant.

The Director confirmed that the scheme is being promoted by Island Green Power, the applicant, under the requirements of the Planning Act to secure a Development Consent Order. The scheme is described as a new utility scale solar park and battery energy storage project proposed to be built on land in North Wiltshire. The project would comprise the installation of solar photovoltaic panels and an on-site battery energy storage facility, plus associated development to connect the project into the national grid at Melksham Substation, covering an area of about 2,834 hectares of land. Members noted that the statutory public consultation, launched by Island Green Power on 29 January runs until 19 March 2025, for public and key stakeholders to comment on the proposals and identify any areas of concern or opportunities for further improvement.

Cabinet noted that the issues relating to this project are complex and the impacts are broad-ranging and potentially significant, with some impacts being positive and others either neutral or adverse. The Director highlighted a number of concerns and reported that this is a matter for the Secretary of State, rather than Wiltshire Council, to weigh up the competing impacts to arrive at a decision. He suggested that the applicant undertakes a further supplementary public consultation to enable sufficient scrutiny of the cable connection route and its associated impacts.

The Cabinet and other members of the Council commented in detail on the scheme and highlighted a number of issues. In particular the following matters were considered:

• Disappointment and frustration that the applicant had not responded to the invitation to attend this meeting, indicating a level of disrespect to the Council and residents.

• Consideration of alternative sites due to the fragmented nature of the development area and to ensure that the solar panels  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

      To receive a report from the Corporate Director, Place

Resolved:

1.    To approve the proposed amendments to the document, endorse the Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) (2025 – 2038) and recommend it for adoption by full Council.

2.    To delegate authority to the Director of Highways and Transport, in consultation with Director for Legal and Governance and the Cabinet Member for Transport and Assets, to make any necessary minor changes to the document before it is published.

3.    To note the feedback and comments received from the formal consultation.

Reason for Decision:

To ensure the Council continues to make progress in updating LTP4, aligned to Business Plan priorities and the Local Plan Review.

Cllr Tamara Reay, Cabinet member for Transport and Assets presented a report seeking approval for amendments to the Local Transport Plan 4 following public consultation, endorsement of the Plan 4 (2025-2038) and recommend it for adoption by Full Council.

Cllr Reay explained that the LTP4 is a statutory document covering the period from 2025 to 2038 setting out the Council’s strategic objectives and policies. The implementation and delivery of policies in the document will contribute to maximising opportunities and tackling the challenges currently facing Wiltshire. She highlighted the fact that Wiltshire is a rural county where many residents are reliant on their car for a range of essential journeys. As such, the transport network needed to be resilient, especially on key routes such as the A303, A36 and A350. The strategic routes providing vital links between towns and villages and improving them will provide benefits for all while boosting the economic prospects of the county.

Cabinet noted that in light of the national requirements and updated guidance on urgently reducing the impact and mitigating the effects of climate change, LTP4 shows a commitment from the Council to take action to deliver wide-ranging improvements for cleaner, healthier and safer transport across the county, a particular challenge in a rural county where many residents are reliant on the private car.

LTP4 has been developed to meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors, seeking to balance a range of competing and sometimes conflicting objectives, whilst at the same time remaining ambitious about the contribution transport in Wiltshire can make to national and regional objectives.

A public question was received for the meeting and this was included in the published agenda supplement together with written responses prior to this meeting.

Colin Gale commented further on accessibility at rail stations and on buses, and he was concerned about the Plan not being updated to scope this issue and identify corrective accessibility measures. He felt that the Plan could easily be updated scoping the access issues at each rail station, especially as the Plan already identified increased access provision for buses. Cllr Reay explained that the Council continued to engage with partner organisations and the Council would continue to consider the concerns raised with more detail be provided in the individual model Plans.

Cllr Graham Wright, Chairman of the Climate Emergency Task Group, reported that he was disappointed that the Task Group had not been invited to comment on the draft LTP4 prior to considering it on 14 November 2024.

Cllr Martin Smith commented on the Plan and was concerned about the lack of detail. Cllr Reay explained that the LTP4 encompassed the Core LTP4 Strategy which provided the strategic context, purpose, and direction of the Plan, three place-based sub-strategies; and four county-wide sub-strategies.

Cllr Jerry Kunkler, Chairman of the Environment Select Committee reported that the Select Committee and the Climate Emergency Task group received a briefing on the consultation responses on 20 February 2025. The Select Committee and Task Group members asked if there  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

      To receive a report from the Chief Executive

Resolved:

That Cabinet notes:

1.    The opportunity to close or move homecare services from the current framework contracts in 2026, with contract extensions already agreed until 2026.

2.    That significant co-production activity has supported the development of the preferred option to commission a joint homecare framework for adults and children.

3.    A range of commissioning options have been considered, supported by national benchmarking. (Options detailed at 116. In this paper)

4.    Demand has been evidenced, and it is important to strengthen and develop the homecare market to enable the Council to deliver its legal requirement under the Care Act.

That Cabinet approves:

1.    The decision to commission a joint homecare framework for adults and Children’s.

2.    That officers continue to undertake to prepare the procurement programme of a new adults and children’s Framework contract for home care, for implementation from the 1st of April 2026.

3.     Due to the contract value, officers to bring back to cabinet a final paper requesting approval to proceed to tender in July 2025.

Reason for Decision:

The purpose of this paper is to provide the Cabinet with a review of current homecare arrangements, consider possible commissioning options and recommend the joint procurement process for adults and children’s home care.

The term Homecare is intended to cover the full range of care provided in a customer's home – domiciliary care, supported living, personal care and all service lines have been reviewed and aligned to Homecare as appropriate.

It is a legal requirement for the Council to meet the eligible needs of the residents of Wiltshire and as such providing care at home is an integral part of delivering on this legal requirement. Wiltshire has a stated vision to create stronger communities across the county enabling people to live healthy and enriched lives. One of the main themes of the Wiltshire Council business plan is prevention and early intervention which helps maximise the independence, choice and control for residents in Wiltshire by providing the right accommodation and support in the right place at the right time. This in turn links the business plan, the Independent Living Strategy and the Accommodation strategy and supports the implementation of Autism strategy, dementia strategy and promotes prevention.

We can evidence a growth in homecare demand, with an average 12% increase in demand for adults seen over the last two years. For Children’s homecare activity is significantly smaller than adults but activity by the end of 2024/25 is projected to have doubled from 2023/24. The flexible homecare framework has significantly increased adult capacity in the home care market to meet the increased demand and this has been supported by the national introduction of provider sponsorship licences which has expanded homecare workforce through international recruitment.

Currently homecare is commissioned from three frameworks. Commissioners have established with procurement, that all three frameworks could be closed or homecare services moved from the current arrangements in 2026, affording us the opportunity to consider and agree a strategic approach to the future commissioning of homecare.

In  ...  view the full decision text for item 38.

Cllr Jane Davies, Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, SEND and Inclusion presented a report which outlined the current commissioning arrangements for Homecare and plans to work towards the procurement and implementation of a Joint Homecare framework for adults and children.

Cllr Davies reported that transforming homecare is a long-term objective which required the Council to continue working with customers, carers and communities, engage with the market, and understand operational team pressures.

The report summarised the work completed in 2024/2025, used to consider the strategic commissioning options enabling Cabinet to agree the longer-term commissioning approach to the delivery of care in people’s homes.

Cabinet noted that currently Homecare is purchased by the Council under three flexible frameworks, adults under the Flexible Home care Framework, Children under the Children’s Home Care Framework and for adults of working age who may present with mental health needs, learning disability (with or without dementia) and autistic spectrum condition under the Good Lives Alliance (GLA) Framework. Each framework with a different contract length, and an opportunity in 2026 to close or move homecare services from the three current arrangements and take a new joint approach, with recommission work to commence in April 2025.

Resolved:

That Cabinet notes:

1.    The opportunity to close or move homecare services from the current framework contracts in 2026, with contract extensions already agreed until 2026.

2.    That significant co-production activity has supported the development of the preferred option to commission a joint homecare framework for adults and children.

3.    A range of commissioning options have been considered, supported by national benchmarking. (Options detailed at 116. In this paper)

4.    Demand has been evidenced, and it is important to strengthen and develop the homecare market to enable the Council to deliver its legal requirement under the Care Act.

That Cabinet approves:

1.    The decision to commission a joint homecare framework for adults and Children’s.

2.    That officers continue to undertake to prepare the procurement programme of a new adults and children’s Framework contract for home care, for implementation from the 1st of April 2026.

3.     Due to the contract value, officers to bring back to cabinet a final paper requesting approval to proceed to tender in July 2025.

Reason for Decision:

The purpose of this paper is to provide the Cabinet with a review of current homecare arrangements, consider possible commissioning options and recommend the joint procurement process for adults and children’s home care.

The term Homecare is intended to cover the full range of care provided in a customer's home – domiciliary care, supported living, personal care and all service lines have been reviewed and aligned to Homecare as appropriate.

It is a legal requirement for the Council to meet the eligible needs of the residents of Wiltshire and as such providing care at home is an integral part of delivering on this legal requirement. Wiltshire has a stated vision to create stronger communities across the county enabling people to live healthy and enriched lives. One of the main themes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director, Place.

Resolved:

1.    To note the council’s approach to climate adaptation using the Risk Management Policy as set out in the Adaptation Delivery Plan (Appendix 1) and Adaptation Reporting Power 4 (ARP4) report (Appendix 2).

2.     To endorse the Adaptation Delivery Plan, subject to any comments, to be approved by the Corporate Director for Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Waste and Environment, as per delegated decision.

3.    To note the approach set out in the Adaptation Delivery Plan to ensure that climate risk and associated mitigating action is embedded in the council’s business as usual delivery and governance.

Reason for Decision:

To introduce the draft Adaptation Delivery Plan, and to provide an opportunity for Cabinet to comment on the draft, with any necessary adjustments made before final approval.

To bring to the attention of cabinet that vulnerability to climate change is a strategic risk for the council, which means it is recognised as a significant and long-term risk that would impact across the wider council and would significantly impact the council’s ability to achieve its strategic priorities.

To provide awareness of the processes that the council has put in place to manage risk from the impacts of climate change.

Cllr Dominic Muns, Cabinet member for Waste and Environment presented a report which provided a new Adaptation Delivery Plan (previously Climate Change Adaptation Plan) developed using the Council’s Risk Management Policy and reporting requirements for ARP4. The reporting is based on climate change risk assessment and associated action planning, co-developed by participating services and the Climate Team.

Cllr Muns reported that the Adaptation Delivery Plan sets out the actions by the council to ensure functions and services are resilient to the impacts of climate change, including increasing average temperatures and severe weather events. The actions have been developed in response to a risk assessment of the impacts of climate change that are likely to be experienced by Wiltshire Council services in the ‘present to 2030’ timeframe, as well as in the ‘mid-century 2050’ timeframe.

Cabinet noted that the Adaptation Delivery Plan replaces the existing council Climate Change Adaptation Plan from 2016. In developing the Adaptation Delivery Plan the council has undertaken an extensive process of Climate Change Risk Assessment across key service areas. The process for implementation, monitoring and review will be embedded into the existing governance processes for Climate Strategy delivery and risk management. The aim is for deliverables to be incorporated into service-level work planning to ensure they become business-as-usual. Climate risks identified through Climate Change Risk Assessment will be incorporated into the council’s risk management processes and linked to the strategic risk – ‘Increasing vulnerability to climate impacts’.

Cllr Graham Wright, Chairman of the Climate Emergency Task Group reported that the Task Group discussed the Adaptation Plan on the 30 January 2025 following a very preliminary discussion about adaptation planning in February 2024. Cllr Wright reported that during the most recent discussion the Task Group saw a draft of the Cabinet report but not the Plan itself. Without having sight of the actual plan, the Task Group could only ask general questions. These included how the plan was developed; funding for adaptation work, particularly from developers; how the plan will be delivered locally and the role of town and parish councils as well as engagement with key external partners, such as water companies. The Task Group considers this plan to be a key document, along with the Climate Strategy, ensuring the council confronts climate challenges. There needed to be an awareness of the potential impacts and be planning to address them. The Task Group is recommending that adaptation be a focus for the task group in future years.

Resolved:

1.    To note the council’s approach to climate adaptation using the Risk Management Policy as set out in the Adaptation Delivery Plan (Appendix 1) and Adaptation Reporting Power 4 (ARP4) report (Appendix 2).

2.     To endorse the Adaptation Delivery Plan, subject to any comments, to be approved by the Corporate Director for Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Waste and Environment, as per delegated decision.

3.    To note the approach set out in the Adaptation Delivery Plan to ensure that climate risk and associated mitigating  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director, Place.

Resolved:

To seek approval to undertake the public consultation stage of the draft Wiltshire and Swindon Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

Reason for Decision:

As the Responsible Authority for the Wiltshire and Swindon Local Nature Recovery Strategy the council has a duty to undertake a public consultation on the draft LNRS to meet the requirements set by The Environment (Local Nature Recovery Strategies) (Procedure) Regulations 2023.

Cllr Dominic Muns, Cabinet member for Waste and Environment presented a report seeking approval to undertake the public consultation stage of the draft Wiltshire and Swindon Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

Cllr Muns reported that the UK Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan set out the aim to create a national-scale Nature Recovery Network (NRN) in England. The Local Nature Recovery Strategies would deliver nature recovery at a local and regional scale, by mapping ecological networks and identifying habitat restoration priorities. Wiltshire Council has been formally appointed the responsible authority for the LNRS for the Wiltshire and Swindon area, supporting Swindon Borough Council and the New Forest National Park Authority, as well as Natural England.

Cabinet noted that the production of the LNRS has involved extensive partnership working with Responsible Authorities, Supporting Authorities and Defra. Other stakeholder groups included farming and environmental, protected landscapes, ecological NGOs, river catchment partnerships, Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre. The draft LNRS has been produced and was issued to the supporting authorities on 20 Jan 2025 for sign off prior to public consultation.

Cabinet congratulated officers and the Cabinet Member on the development of the draft Strategy and welcomed the engaged with neighbours and linking in with other authorities.

Cllr Jerry Kunkler, Chairman of the Environment Select Committee reported that he received a comprehensive briefing on the draft Strategyon 11 February 2025 and considered the scope of the draft and the consultation and approval process. He was happy to endorse the draft.

Resolved:

To seek approval to undertake the public consultation stage of the draft Wiltshire and Swindon Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

Reason for Decision:

As the Responsible Authority for the Wiltshire and Swindon Local Nature Recovery Strategy the council has a duty to undertake a public consultation on the draft LNRS to meet the requirements set by The Environment (Local Nature Recovery Strategies) (Procedure) Regulations 2023.

To receive a report from the Chief Executive.

Resolved:

1.    To note the detail in the draft Stonehenge and Avebury WHS Setting Study set out in Appendix 1.

2.    To approve the draft document (Appendix 1) for public consultation from 5th May 2025

3.    To delegate to the Corporate Director Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Development and Strategic Planning, the authority to undertake the final stages associated with the preparation of the draft document for public consultation, including any minor textual changes in the interests of clarity and accuracy.

Reason for Decision:

To seek Cabinet’s approval to go to public consultation of the draft WHS Setting SPD. 

Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet member for Finance, Development Management and Strategic Planning presented a report setting out the draft Stonehenge and Avebury WHS Setting Study and seeking approval to formally consult the public over a 6-week period from 5th May 2025. In addition, to delegate authority to officers, in consultation with the Cabinet Member to undertake the final stages associated with the preparation of the draft document for public consultation, including any minor textual changes in the interests of clarity and accuracy.  

Cllr Botterill reported that the draft Setting Study for the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site which, once adopted, will be used to ensure that developments in Wiltshire do not adversely impact the internationally significant monuments within the WHS and their setting. He noted that once adopted the Setting Study would become a material consideration in the determination of planning applications and help to support Core Policy 59.

Cabinet Members welcomed the Setting Study and its role in the protection of historical sites. Members indicated that they would encourage their Town and Parish Councils to respond to the public consultation.

Cllr Jerry Kunkler, Chairman of the Environment Select Committee reported that he received a comprehensive briefing on the Site Setting Study on 11 February 2025 and considered the extent of the areas covered by the Study and what effect the planning document would have on development. He welcomed the Study and endorsed moves to better protect the county’s World Heritage sites.

Resolved:

1.    To note the detail in the draft Stonehenge and Avebury WHS Setting Study set out in Appendix 1.

2.    To approve the draft document (Appendix 1) for public consultation from 5th May 2025

3.    To delegate to the Corporate Director Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Development and Strategic Planning, the authority to undertake the final stages associated with the preparation of the draft document for public consultation, including any minor textual changes in the interests of clarity and accuracy.

Reason for Decision:

To seek Cabinet’s approval to go to public consultation of the draft WHS Setting SPD.

Any other items which the Leader agrees to consider as a matter of urgency.