Author: Town Clerk

Information from Gloucestershire County Council:

How should Gloucestershire grow and develop over the next 30 years? What matters most to you about the future of our county?

From 2 November to 14 December 2026, Gloucestershire County Council is inviting residents, businesses and organisations to share their views as work begins on a new Spatial Development Strategy for Gloucestershire.

The strategy will help shape how the county develops over the next 30 years. It will take a countywide view of the opportunities and challenges ahead, considering where new homes and jobs could be located, how the environment can be protected and enhanced, and what transport, infrastructure and services will be needed to support growing communities. It will also consider wider issues such as health and the local economy.

The strategy is being developed in response to changes to the planning system introduced by government.

As an important first step, the council’s cabinet has approved an initial period of engagement, giving residents, businesses, communities and other organisations the opportunity to help shape the strategy from the outset.

This is your chance to tell us what matters most to you, highlight the issues that need to be considered across the county and help set the priorities for Gloucestershire’s future, before more detailed work on the strategy begins.

To take part in the engagement and find out more information, please visit: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/sds.

A number of public engagement events have also been arranged over the coming weeks:

• Saturday 7 November, 10am-11am: Webinar 7 November Webinar Link
• Monday 9 November, 7-8pm: Webinar 9 November Webinar Link
• Tuesday 10 November, 3.30-6pm: Drop-in event at Coleford Library
• Wednesday 11 November, 2-3pm: Webinar 11 November Webinar Link
• Wednesday 18 November, 3.30-6pm: Drop-in event at Cheltenham Library
• Monday 23 November, 3.30-6pm: Drop-in event at Moreton-in-Marsh Redesdale Hall
• Monday 23 November, 6-7pm: Webinar 23 November Webinar Link
• Thursday 26 November, 3.30-6pm: Drop-in event at Tewkesbury Library
• Monday 30 November, 3.30-6pm: Drop-in event at Gloucester Library
• Friday 4 December, 3.30-6pm: Drop-in event at Stroud Library
• Friday 11 December, 3.30-6pm: Drop-in event at Cirencester Library

Press release from Gloucestershire County Council:

Gloucestershire County Council is organising a countywide programme that provides children and young people with opportunities to enjoy healthy meals and stay active and entertained during the school holidays for free.

Running from 24 October to 1 November, the programme includes activities such as sports, outdoor adventures, creative arts and crafts, community play sessions, wellbeing opportunities and other enriching experiences designed to support children and families outside of term time.

All children and young people living in the county can take part, regardless of their circumstances. There are no eligibility requirements for these half-term activities, which remains separate from the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

Food support and activities can be booked through Gloucestershire’s Virtual Family Hub.  Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Some providers will be managing bookings through their own websites or booking systems and should be contacted directly if an activity isn’t listed on the hub.

Editor’s note: Check out what they have to offer, with activities taking place nearby in Bourton, Moreton, and Cirencester – although unfortunately nothing in Northleach itself this time around.