This week in Tewkesbury:

Green Belt Development Faces Scrutiny: Warehouse Expansion Rejected

Tewkesbury Borough Council's Planning Committee has refused a significant expansion of a business park near Down Hatherley Lane, citing substantial harm to the Green Belt. The decision, made on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, means a proposed warehouse unit and business park expansion, which included plans for new community facilities, will not go ahead in its current form.

The committee heard that the development would encroach significantly onto Green Belt land, impacting the openness of the countryside and conflicting with the council's strategy for employment growth. Concerns were also raised about the loss of existing sports pitches and community facilities, with no guarantee that replacements would be secured in time.

Local residents and parish councillors voiced strong objections. Councillor Richard Minter of Down and Hathaway Parish Council highlighted the dangerous and congested nature of Down Hatherley Lane, which would be the primary access route for the development. He also criticised the applicant's arguments for special circumstances as special pleading, stating that there is either an edge to the Green Belt that counts or there is no edge, and then, of course, there is no Green Belt.

Gerry Fowler, representing the Dowty User Group, expressed deep concern over the potential loss of the Dowty Sports and Social Club, a vital community hub. He stated, This isn't just a sports club, it's a fantastic community asset, which has provided opportunities for young people for decades.

Despite acknowledging the potential economic benefits and job creation, the committee ultimately sided with the officers' recommendation for refusal, concluding that the harms to the Green Belt and community facilities outweighed the proposed gains.

You can find more details about this decision in the Planning Committee meeting minutes.

Gypsy and Traveller Site Approved Despite Intentional Breach

A part-retrospective application for a Gypsy and Traveller site on Pheasant Lane, Staverton, was granted permission by the Planning Committee on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. The decision came despite the council acknowledging that the unauthorised development was intentional and carried substantial weight against the proposal.

The committee heard that the site, located within the Green Belt, was being used for the stationing of two mobile homes and two touring caravans. While the council's officers noted the intentional breach of planning regulations, they also highlighted the evidenced unmet need for traveller pitches within the borough.

The decision was made subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement to secure contributions for the Cotswold-Beechwood SAC mitigation and on-site biodiversity net gain. Councillor Mary Jordan expressed reservations about the site's sustainability, noting that while it was deemed suitable, it might encourage car journeys due to its distance from amenities and the condition of local footpaths.

The approval signifies the council's attempt to balance the need for traveller accommodation with planning regulations, a complex issue that often sparks debate.

More information can be found in the Planning Committee meeting minutes.

New Homes Approved in Greet Despite Local Objections

An outline application for up to 20 new residential dwellings, including 40% affordable housing, in Greet was permitted by the Planning Committee on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. The decision was made despite significant local objections concerning road safety, sustainability, and drainage.

The committee acknowledged the council's shortfall in housing land supply, a factor that carries significant weight under national planning policy. While concerns about the safety of the proposed access onto Evesham Road and the sustainability of the location were noted, the committee ultimately decided that the benefits, particularly the provision of affordable housing, outweighed the adverse effects.

Councillor Matt Dimond-Brown raised concerns about the safety of children walking to the proposed bus stops, stating, Someone's going to get killed. Someone's going to get killed. The County Highways Authority also maintained an objection on sustainability grounds, citing the narrowness of Church Lane and the distance to amenities.

However, the committee ultimately voted to grant permission, with the final details of the development to be determined at a later stage.

Further details are available in the Planning Committee meeting minutes.

Other Matters

• Retrospective Garage Workshop Refused: A retrospective application for a vehicle garage workshop and office in Shurdington was refused by the Planning Committee on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. The primary reason for refusal was the unacceptable adverse impact on the residential amenity of a neighbouring property due to the building's mass, height, and proximity. The committee also gave substantial weight to the fact that the unauthorised development was considered intentional.
• New Dwellings in The Leigh Approved: Permission was granted for two new detached dwellings in The Leigh on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. The committee considered the site to be well-related to the existing settlement and contributing to the council's housing land supply.

This week in Tewkesbury:

Local Government Reform Paused: What it Means for Tewkesbury

The future of local government in Gloucestershire has been thrown into uncertainty as the proposed move to a single unitary authority has been paused. The Standards Committee met on Monday, 28 September 2026, to discuss the implications of this pause, which means elections for Borough and Parish councils will proceed as planned in May 2027.

The government's original plan to abolish county, district, and borough councils to create unitary authorities has been halted. While the government has the power to direct such changes, these decisions can be challenged. Crucially, there appears to be no immediate legislative push to alter the current standards regime, meaning the existing Members Code of Conduct will likely continue to apply, even to any regional Mayor elected in 2027/28.

This pause means the current Tewkesbury Borough Council will continue to operate until March 2028, with its committees functioning as normal until then. A shadow authority will eventually have a Standards Committee, but it won't be operational until April 2028.

The potential risks associated with setting up a new council, such as the breakdown of relationships across the county, were discussed. While some areas have experienced fallouts, it was noted that Gloucestershire has largely avoided significant disputes, with the exception of some internal disagreements within Gloucester City Council.

The report also touched on the possibility of Parish Councils taking on new roles, with some considering this as a new unitary authority might not address local issues as comprehensively as the Borough Council. However, this would be a decision for each Town and Parish Council to make, with potential cost implications.

You can find more details in the Standards Committee meeting minutes.

Grass Cutting Debate: Petition Rejected, Parishes Urged to Step Up

A petition calling for the reinstatement of grass cutting on land owned by Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) was rejected by the full Council on Tuesday, 29 September 2026. The decision means Tewkesbury Borough Council (TBC) will not resume the service, which it previously maintained.

The petition organiser, Mr Andrew Turner, highlighted concerns about fire risks, difficulties for dog owners, litter, and the negative impact on the borough's appearance. He argued that the council had previously saved £50,000 by ceasing the service, but that a £3.8 million underspend in the last financial year meant funds could be reallocated. The cost to reinstate grass cutting was estimated at £84,000 annually.

Councillor Philip Workman supported the petition, stating that the council had a historical commitment to cutting this land for over 50 years and that the current situation was an insult.

However, Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader of the Council, explained that the land is owned by GCC, and TBC has no legal obligation to cut it. He pointed out that GCC now only provides two cuts per year, one of which is a safety cut. Councillor Stanley proposed that parishes could work with GCC to arrange their own cutting, with some parishes already doing so and precepting to cover the costs. He argued that TBC could not reasonably cut grass more frequently in one area than elsewhere in the borough and that reinstating the service would cost £84,000 annually, which was more than the council's entire budget for engaging young people.

Councillor Mike Sztymiak proposed supporting the petition, arguing that the council had the funds and that it was what the public wanted. However, Councillor Stanley's proposal not to reinstate the grass cutting was carried by a majority vote.

This decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing community expectations with council budgets and responsibilities, particularly when land ownership is complex. The council's stance encourages local parishes to take more direct responsibility for maintaining local amenities, a move that could lead to increased local taxation for residents in those parishes.

You can read more about this debate in the Council meeting minutes.

Constitution Updates: Planning Reforms and Public Participation

Tewkesbury Borough Council's constitution has been updated to align with new national planning regulations and to enhance public participation in council meetings. The Council approved these amendments on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.

The changes to the planning decision-making process are a direct response to the new National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions, which came into effect on 31 October 2026. Councillor Sarah Hands, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Planning and Place Making, stressed that these changes were not optional and were necessary to avoid legal challenges and reputational damage. While the national framework introduces new regulations, the council's existing delegation scheme already reserves planning committee consideration for more significant development proposals, meaning the practical impact is expected to be limited.

However, many councillors expressed frustration at the perceived erosion of local democratic control. Councillor Christopher Coleman voiced concerns that the new regulations would make it harder for local councillors to request that applications go to committee for determination, particularly for applications submitted before the new rules come into effect. The Head of Service clarified that any decisions made after 31 October 2026 must comply with the national scheme, even if an application was called in earlier.

To strengthen public engagement, two changes were made to public participation arrangements:

• Members of the public asking questions at council meetings will now be allowed to ask a supplementary question.
• Speaking time at Planning Committee meetings has been increased from three to four minutes per speaker.

These changes aim to improve transparency and accountability, ensuring that residents have a greater voice in local decision-making.

You can find the full details of these constitutional updates in the Council meeting minutes.

Royal Mail Deliveries: Council Pledges Action

The Council has unanimously passed a motion to write to Royal Mail, local MPs, and Ofcom to address the ongoing issues with postal deliveries. The motion, agreed on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, highlights the significant decline in Royal Mail's delivery performance, with first-class delivery targets consistently missed.

Councillor Paul McLain, who proposed the motion, noted that Royal Mail had failed to meet its first-class delivery targets for several years, leading to many people missing vital letters, including health appointments. He also pointed out the rising cost of postage despite the declining service.

Councillor Charlotte Mills, seconding the motion, shared her own experiences with delayed mail and its impact on businesses and residents, particularly those who are not online. The motion was amended to include writing to local MPs and Ofcom, and encouraging residents to provide evidence of issues.

This action reflects the council's commitment to addressing resident concerns and using its influence to advocate for improved essential services. The inclusion of Ofcom, the regulatory body for communications services, signifies a move towards seeking systemic change rather than just local improvements.

More information can be found in the Council meeting minutes.

Other Matters

• Film Classification Policy Adopted: A new Film Classification Policy was unanimously adopted by the Council on Tuesday, 29 September 2026. This policy ensures that film exhibitions adhere to age restrictions, providing a consistent approach across Gloucestershire. More details.
• Infrastructure Funding Statement and Local Development Scheme Approved: The Council approved the Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS) 2025/26 CIL Report and the updated Local Development Scheme (LDS) 2026-29 on Tuesday, 29 September 2026. These documents outline how developer contributions are used to fund infrastructure projects and set the timeline for the preparation of the Strategic and Local Plan. More details.
• Local Government Reorganisation Noted: The Council noted the government's decision regarding Local Government Reorganisation for Gloucestershire, which will see the creation of a single unitary authority. More details.

This week in Tewkesbury:

Council Accounts Approved Amidst Pension Fund Uncertainty

Tewkesbury Borough Council's financial health for the 2025/26 year has been formally approved, with the Audit and Governance Committee giving the green light to the Statement of Accounts on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. While the council's net worth saw a slight decrease from £76 million to £72 million, the audit process was described as smooth, and external auditors Bishop Fleming anticipate issuing an unqualified report.

However, a key area of uncertainty remains the valuation of the Gloucestershire Pension Fund liability. This crucial element is still awaiting final assurances from the pension fund's auditor, meaning the overall audit completion is technically pending. This situation highlights the interconnectedness of local government finances and the potential for delays when external bodies are involved.

Councillor David Gray, Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee, raised questions about the significant decrease in the value of investment properties, despite an increase in rental income. Officers explained this was due to potential capital expenditure needed for new tenants and incentives, reflecting a difference between rental income and potential sale value. The valuation was conducted by Wilkeshead and Eve.

The council's financial resilience was rated amber in the external auditor's annual report, indicating areas where improvement recommendations have been made. While not a cause for immediate alarm, it suggests ongoing efforts are needed to strengthen financial sustainability, governance, and efficiency.

The council's commitment to timely financial reporting was praised, with Bishop Fleming noting Tewkesbury Borough Council was the earliest among the ten local authorities they audit to produce its accounts. This is particularly commendable given the pressures faced by local government finance teams.

More details can be found in the Audit and Governance Committee meeting minutes.

Key Governance Issues Remain Unresolved

Progress on critical governance issues identified in the 2024/25 Annual Governance Statement is proving slow, with the Audit and Governance Committee expressing concern on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. While some areas, like the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy, are complete, significant work remains on the Section 106 Improvement Plan and Building Control Governance.

The delay in the Section 106 Improvement Plan is particularly concerning, as it directly impacts how the council manages developer contributions towards local infrastructure. Councillor David Gray highlighted this as an area requiring urgent attention. The committee has requested the Director of Growth attend a future meeting to provide further detail on progress.

The slow progress on Building Control Governance, also stemming from internal audit work over two years ago, is being addressed through the refreshed Joint Local Government Group (JLMG). While this group is now meeting, the committee will be closely monitoring its effectiveness.

The council's commitment to transparency and good governance is tested by these ongoing issues. The Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26, which was approved at the meeting, includes new significant governance issues such as Yubico client monitoring and the implementation of a procurement contract register. The committee's continued focus on these areas is vital for ensuring public trust and effective service delivery.

You can read more about these governance updates in the Audit and Governance Committee meeting minutes.

Taxi and Private Hire Licences Under Review

The Licensing Sub-Committee (Street Trading and Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles, Drivers and Operators) met on Thursday, 24 September 2026, to review several private hire driver and vehicle licences, as well as an application for a private hire operator's licence. Due to the sensitive nature of these matters, which often involve personal information, the discussions were held in private session.

These reviews are crucial for ensuring public safety and maintaining standards within the taxi and private hire industry. Decisions made in these sessions can have a direct impact on individuals' livelihoods and the quality of service provided to residents. While the specifics of the cases are confidential, the process itself underscores the council's role in regulating essential local services.

The agenda for the meeting can be found here.

Other Matters

• Corporate Risk Register Refreshed: The Audit and Governance Committee reviewed an updated Corporate Risk Register on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. New risks related to recruitment and retention, and procurement compliance have been added, reflecting the current challenges faced by the council. The Risk Management Strategy was also updated. More details.
• Internal Audit Work Progresses: The Audit and Governance Committee received updates on internal audits, including positive findings for the Rural England Prosperity Fund and Planning Fees. A limited assurance opinion was given for the IT Asset Inventory, with five recommendations made to improve its management. The committee also approved the Internal Audit Six-Month Plan for October 2026 to March 2027. See the report.

This week in Tewkesbury:

Green Belt Under Threat: Warehouse Expansion Rejected

Tewkesbury Borough Council's Planning Committee has refused a significant expansion of a business park near Down Hatherley Lane, citing substantial harm to the Green Belt. The decision, made on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, means a proposed warehouse unit and business park expansion, which included plans for new community facilities, will not go ahead in its current form.

The committee heard that the development would encroach significantly onto Green Belt land, impacting the openness of the countryside and conflicting with the council's strategy for employment growth. Concerns were also raised about the loss of existing sports pitches and community facilities, with no guarantee that replacements would be secured in time.

Local residents and parish councillors voiced strong objections. Councillor Richard Minter of Down and Hathaway Parish Council highlighted the dangerous and congested nature of Down Hatherley Lane, which would be the primary access route for the development. He also criticised the applicant's arguments for special circumstances as special pleading, stating that there is either an edge to the Green Belt that counts or there is no edge, and then, of course, there is no Green Belt.

Gerry Fowler, representing the Dowty User Group, expressed deep concern over the potential loss of the Dowty Sports and Social Club, a vital community hub. He stated, This isn't just a sports club, it's a fantastic community asset, which has provided opportunities for young people for decades.

Despite acknowledging the potential economic benefits and job creation, the committee ultimately sided with the officers' recommendation for refusal, concluding that the harms to the Green Belt and community facilities outweighed the proposed gains.

You can find more details about this decision in the Planning Committee meeting minutes.

Gypsy and Traveller Site Approved Despite Intentional Breach

A part-retrospective application for a Gypsy and Traveller site on Pheasant Lane, Staverton, was granted permission by the Planning Committee on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. The decision came despite the council acknowledging that the unauthorised development was intentional and carried substantial weight against the proposal.

The committee heard that the site, located within the Green Belt, was being used for the stationing of two mobile homes and two touring caravans. While the council's officers noted the intentional breach of planning regulations, they also highlighted the evidenced unmet need for traveller pitches within the borough.

The decision was made subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement to secure contributions for the Cotswold-Beechwood SAC mitigation and on-site biodiversity net gain. Councillor Mary Jordan expressed reservations about the site's sustainability, noting that while it was deemed suitable, it might encourage car journeys due to its distance from amenities and the condition of local footpaths.

The approval signifies the council's attempt to balance the need for traveller accommodation with planning regulations, a complex issue that often sparks debate.

More information can be found in the Planning Committee meeting minutes.

New Homes Approved in Greet Despite Local Objections

An outline application for up to 20 new residential dwellings, including 40% affordable housing, in Greet was permitted by the Planning Committee on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. The decision was made despite significant local objections concerning road safety, sustainability, and drainage.

The committee acknowledged the council's shortfall in housing land supply, a factor that carries significant weight under national planning policy. While concerns about the safety of the proposed access onto Evesham Road and the sustainability of the location were noted, the committee ultimately decided that the benefits, particularly the provision of affordable housing, outweighed the adverse effects.

Councillor Matt Dimond-Brown raised concerns about the safety of children walking to the proposed bus stops, stating, Someone's going to get killed. Someone's going to get killed. The County Highways Authority also maintained an objection on sustainability grounds, citing the narrowness of Church Lane and the distance to amenities.

However, the committee ultimately voted to grant permission, with the final details of the development to be determined at a later stage.

Further details are available in the Planning Committee meeting minutes.

Other Matters

• Retrospective Garage Workshop Refused: A retrospective application for a vehicle garage workshop and office in Shurdington was refused by the Planning Committee on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. The primary reason for refusal was the unacceptable adverse impact on the residential amenity of a neighbouring property due to the building's mass, height, and proximity. The committee also gave substantial weight to the fact that the unauthorised development was considered intentional.
• New Dwellings in The Leigh Approved: Permission was granted for two new detached dwellings in The Leigh on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. The committee considered the site to be well-related to the existing settlement and contributing to the council's housing land supply.