URL: https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2377

Decision Maker: Corporate Director - Place

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: To engage Ethos to carry out an ecological walkover badger survey of the site at Bevan road, north of Marshall rd Devizes. The survey is a condition of the outline planning permission for the site. Bevan Place is a development of 32 affordable homes for rent and shared ownership on land north of Marshall rd in Devizes. The greenfield site was purchased from the NHS and comprises a level grass field with trees and shrubs around the perimeter. The groundworks contractor for the site will be appointed shortly. The homes themselves will be provided by Rollalong.   As part of the planning application, Ethos Environmental Planning carried out an initial ecology impact assessment for the site in 2024. The survey looked for evidence of badgers at that time – though none were detected.   The Outline Planning Permission for the site from January 2024 requires a walkover survey for badgers to be carried out prior to construction work commencing: The Decision Notice in December 2025 requires the Council to follow the conditions specified in the Outline Consent.   As Ethos previously carried out the survey work, are familiar with the site and have provided satisfactory work for the Council previously, they were approached to quote for this work. Their quote at [redacted] is competitive. The fees for this work are incorporated within the approved budget for the scheme.   I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the following in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution:   Key decision requirements Yes Views of relevant cabinet member(s), Committee Chairman, Area board(s) n/a Consultation with cabinet member(s), the Leader and Scrutiny (for Executive decisions taken under Emergency Powers) n/a - not taken under emergency powers. Consultation in accordance with the Council’s consultation guidance and the views emanating from that process n/a for these works. Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or procedure Yes – Planning process and WC Core Strategy (2015) Core Policy 50 – protection, mitigation and enhancement of biodiversity. Staffing, financial and legal implications As set out above. The assessment of any associated risks in accordance with the Councils risk management strategy; As set out above. Involvement of any appropriate statutory officers and/or corporate directors and directors (Specify) n/a Regional or national guidance from other bodies where relevant The survey is in line with Natural England guidance (2011) “Badgers and development”. The council’s constitution, including the Procurement and Contract Rules (Part 10) and the Financial Regulations and Procedure Rules (Part 9), all relevant Yes We could choose not to carry out the survey – but this would delay the start of construction work on site and result in reputational damage for the Council, by not following planning obligations

Date of Decision: June 30, 2026