Jane Carter

A new phase of engagement for the Strategic and Local Plan (SLP) begins on Monday, 20 October 2025.

The SLP is the shared development plan that will set out the most effective way to manage growth and house building for Cheltenham Borough, Gloucester City and Tewkesbury Borough over the next 20 years.

Drawing on the insights and feedback gathered during the initial engagement in 2024, this is another important opportunity for residents, businesses, and partners to have their say on the future of our area.

Alistair Cunningham, Chief Executive of Tewkesbury Borough Council and Senior Responsible Officer for the SLP, said: “The Strategic and Local Plan will set out where new housing should go, what kind of homes are needed, what jobs and growth we’re aiming for, and the infrastructure required to support it all, whilst protecting the natural and historic environment.

“That includes things like community facilities, flood mitigation, roads and cycle paths, green spaces, sewerage – everything that makes growth sustainable and works for the people who live here.

That’s why your input really matters. We want this to be shaped by the community, not just imposed on it.”

People can explore topic papers and evidence studies, and sign up for notifications about the new papers as they are released, at strategiclocalplan.org.

The topic and evidence papers will cover subjects including: the future role of the city and the towns in the area, how many new homes are needed, and how to support economic growth and jobs for people alongside infrastructure needs.

Some of the topic papers and key evidence papers are for information and awareness, and some will invite people to provide feedback on their content. Each paper will be open for a six-week period.

Workshops will also be held to gather views from groups such as town and parish councils, and local business leaders in housing and economic development.

The programme of online engagement will include short films from leading industry experts who will introduce new subjects.

Engagement runs until June 2026, with pre-submission of the plan to government in July 2026, and the final submission in October/November 2026.

The much-loved fingerpost sign in Toddington has been carefully restored, thanks to the dedication of Adrian Watts. The project was undertaken in memory of his parents, Mick and Mollie Watts, who lived in Church Lane for around 30 years and were active members of village life.

Mick, who sadly passed away in 2020, had himself restored the sign back in 2001. Following Mollie’s passing in 2023, Adrian, who now lives in Buckinghamshire, was inspired to take on the renovation once more as a tribute to both his parents and their love of the village.

As the fingerpost is now a nationally listed Grade II structure, approval had to be obtained from six different authorities before work could begin. Once permissions were secured, Adrian dismantled the sign and began the restoration process. A number of challenges followed, including shotblasting, rust-proofing, repainting, and sourcing specialist signwriting expertise. With the support of family and friends, the full rebuild was completed in late September.

The restored sign retains its distinctive “character,” including a slight bend in the Toddington arm—thought to have been caused by a passing lorry many years ago. The final finishing touches, including the intricate gothic-style lettering, were praised for their remarkable accuracy.

Adrian expressed his thanks to the Parish Council for supporting the project, his sisters and family for their help with the rebuild, and local friends and neighbours for their encouragement along the way.

“It has been a total pleasure to do this for the village, and for Mum and Dad,” he said. “If it lasts another 21 years, that would be fine by me.”