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"You’d be forgiven for being confused about the government’s reorganisation of our local councils. After September’s self-imposed pause, last week Ministers gave us a new timetable and indicated that Gloucestershire’s preferred option - a single unitary council – is likely to proceed. The new Gloucestershire Council will now be formed in May 2028, and district councils will cease to exist in April 2029.

It’s helpful to finally have some clarity, but local government’s real challenge is not reorganising structures. Councils like ours need proper financial support from national government to deliver local services. Our budgets have declined by around 40% in real terms over recent years, and the government’s financial settlement for Stroud District Council’s final year assumed efficiency savings through council mergers. Since the minister has delayed the timetable, we face a considerable challenge to fill that budget gap.

But perhaps the biggest issue is Gloucestershire’s lack of ‘devolution deal’. Government is handing out significant funding and other powers to existing and new regional mayors. But as we’re not yet part of a mayoral area, Gloucestershire loses out on this funding for core infrastructure. Six out of seven Gloucestershire councils and the current members have confirmed they support Gloucestershire joining the West of England Combined Authority. Ministers need to explain what's holding up this crucial decision for our area. Visit https://futuregloucestershire.org.uk/ for updates.

There’s a bit more change on the horizon for residents in Brimscombe and Thrupp, Chalford, Frampton on Severn, Great Oldbury, Minchinhampton, Standish and Upton St Leonards - do give your views on proposed changes to parish council arrangements in your area.

And finally, the Museum in the Park (in its 25th anniversary year) celebrates a double success, after being shortlisted in two categories in the prestigious Cotswolds Awards 2026. Do show your support for the museum and other local favourites by voting if you have a chance."

Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council

Work is formally under way on a new Local Plan that will help shape how the Stroud district develops over the coming years.

Stroud District Council has reached the first formal milestone in the Government's new planning system by completing its Gateway 1 Self-Assessment. This marks the official start of a 30-month process to prepare the new Stroud District Local Plan 2026.

The Local Plan is an important document that helps guide decisions on issues such as housing, employment land, infrastructure, town centres, transport, climate change and the natural environment.

The council has published several new documents on its website, including a summary of feedback received during early scoping work carried out in summer 2026, reports from stakeholder workshops, and a proposed timetable for preparing the plan.

At this stage, the new Local Plan is still in the very early stages of development. No decisions have been made about future development locations, site allocations or the overall strategy for future housing growth across the district.

Council officers will now continue gathering evidence, assessing potential development sites and exploring different options for how the district could develop in the future.

Residents do not need to take any action at this stage. The next formal public consultation is expected to take place in summer 2027, when residents, businesses and community groups will have an opportunity to comment on emerging options and proposals.

Cllr Catherine Braun, Deputy Leader of Stroud District Council said:

"The Local Plan helps shape the future of our district by guiding where homes, jobs, infrastructure and community facilities could be located.

“We've now reached the first formal stage in preparing a new plan, but it is important to stress that no decisions have been made about development locations or future housing growth options.

"Thank you to everyone who’s taken the time to engage in the first stage of this important planning process. There will be further opportunities for residents, businesses and communities to have their say as the plan develops, with the next formal consultation planned for summer 2027."

More information, including the latest documents and project updates, is available here.