Decision

To approve, award and enter into a new NEC 3 Professional Services Contract with NVB Architects for Design Services relating to the proposed Phase 1 Expansion of Abbeyfield School, Chippenham.

Reasons for the decision

There is a requirement to expand Abbeyfield School in order to meet a forecast rise in demand for school places at the school and to ensure that the Council meets its statutory duty to ensure that sufficient school places are available.

The Council have been in receipt of CIL monies for the expansion of the school for some time and there is a time limit on when the CIL monies have to be spent which is drawing closer.

Details were set out in the School Capital Programme 2026/27 to 2031/32 as set out in Appendix 3 of the budget approved by Full Council on 24 February 2026

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): Yes

Consultation with cabinet member(s), the Leader and Scrutiny (for Executive decisions taken under Emergency Powers): Yes

Consultation in accordance with the council’s consultation guidance and the views emanating from that process: N/A

Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or procedure: Yes

Staffing, financial and legal implications: Yes

The assessment of any associated risks in accordance with the Council’s risk management strategy: Yes

Involvement of appropriate statutory officers and/or corporate directors and directors: N/A

Regional or national guidance from other bodies where relevant: N/A

The council’s constitution, including the Procurement and Contract Rules (Part 10) and the Financial Regulations and Procedure Rules (Part 9), all relevant guidance, legislation, codes of practice, and protocols: Yes

Alternative options considered

There are no other viable options to ensure that sufficient school places can be provided in the area.