URL: https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2380

Decision Maker: Corporate Director - Place

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: To draw down the grant funding via the Homes England Social and Affordable Homes Programme 2026 – 2036 at the relevant milestones to support the delivery of 32no. CHBP Affordable Homes at Marshall Road, Devizes (Bevan Road).   The acquisition/SOS element of the grant (75%) is expected to be drawn down in October 2026 and the remainder of the grant (25%) is to be drawn down at Practical Completion in April 2028. The Homes England grant funding will complement existing funding streams detailed within this decision.   On 4 December 2025 the council secured Planning Permission (PL/2024/09128) to build thirty-two new affordable homes at land north of Marshall Road, Devizes, Wiltshire. The land is owned by the council and sits within the Housing Revenue Account. The land was purchased from the NHS specifically for use within the Council House Build Programme. The site comprises green space that borders a residential area and is adjacent to the recently built Devizes Integrated Care Centre.   Nineteen homes will be available for Social Rent, which range from 1-bedroom flats to 4-bedroom houses, as well as two bungalows. Thirteen homes will be available for Shared Ownership. The homes will be built offsite by Rollalong using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). All homes are anticipated to achieve EPC A rating and aim to achieve the Gold Standard in relation to embodied carbon. Groundworks will be carried out by Rigg Construction with a start on site this autumn with completion anticipated in Spring 2028.   [Financial Viability Assessment and funding sources redacted]   HRA Payback has been calculated at 31 years based on these funding streams.   In June 2026 a formal bid was submitted to Homes England as part of the Social and Affordable Homes Programme 2026-2036. The bid submission detailed the type of house, floor area, accessibility information etc. The homes will be built to 100% Nationally Described Space Standards and are of modular construction – a Modern Method of Construction.   The bid was successful, conditional on a start on site by October 2026 and entering into the SAHP grant funding agreement. The grant is awarded for [redacted] for Shared Ownership and [redacted] Social Rented homes against the scheme costs of [redacted]. The standard Homes England Grant Agreement will be entered into imminently.   The first draw down will take place on 09 October 2026 once the groundworks contractor has started on site. The first tranche of the grant will be for [redacted]. A file of information for audit is being prepared. The Audit file will remain in place throughout the build and be updated for the remaining [redacted] grant to be drawn down at Practical Completion in Q1 28/29.   The homes will be a valuable asset for the Council, as the provision of desperately needed low-cost housing will have positive impacts for Wiltshire residents, particularly those with a connection to Devizes. A recent needs analysis for Devizes showed a demand for 199 affordable rented homes required for the town. This included a need for 98 one-bedroom homes, 40 two-bedroom homes, 41 3-bedroom homes and 6 4+ bedroom homes.   The grant awarded by Homes England equates to [redacted] per home for social rented, which is a significant increase on grants previously secured within historic affordable home funding programmes. Previous grant rates for social rented homes were circa [redacted] per unit and [redacted] per unit for Shared Ownership. Whilst the grant awarded for Shared Ownership on this approval equates to [redacted] per unit. Without funding from Homes England and entering the contract for the funds, the council will not be able to finance the build of these homes, and these much-needed Affordable Homes would be lost, potentially putting pressure on other council run services.   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) Project allowed for within Full Council approved CHBP budget. Consultation with cabinet member(s), the Leader and Scrutiny (for Executive decisions taken under Emergency Powers) N/A - as above, not an emergency power. Consultation in accordance with the councils consultation guidance and the views emanating from that process Project has achieved planning permission which included a consultation process. Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or procedure I can confirm that the tender process was in line with the Council’s procurements rules. Staffing, financial and legal implications As set out above. The assessment of any associated risks in accordance with the Councils risk management strategy; A Risk Register will be maintained for the HRA and the project Involvement of any appropriate statutory officers and/or corporate directors and directors (Specify) Yes – Corporate Director. Regional or national guidance from other bodies where relevant The application for grant funding follows Homes England guidelines. The council’s constitution, including the Procurement and Contract Rules (Part 10) and the Financial Regulations and Procedure Rules (Part 9), all relevant Yes – as included within this RoOD. The Council could choose not to make funding applications or to request different levels of funding from Homes England, or to subsequently enter into contract. Failing to make bids, or bidding for less will increase the payback years and may render the schemes unviable. Following discussions with Homes England, the grant application for [redacted] and [redacted] per unit respectively is in line with successful bids from other Registered Providers. Bidding for larger amounts would be difficult to justify.  

Date of Decision: July 1, 2026