Home > News By Laura Enfield | 2nd May 2025 Decision day has been set for the massive 4,115-home Elms Park development on the outskirts of Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Councillors from both areas are due to host two special meetings on May 29 to determine whether the £1billion scheme should be approved The project has been more than a decade in the making with Bloor Homes and Persimmon Homes starting work in 2008 and submitting an outline application in 2016 Planning officers from both areas have spent the last nine years jointly assessing the details and wrangling with the developers over them Various amendments have been made and the determination date pushed back numerous times The cross-boundary application is now finally set to go before Tewkesbury Borough Council and Cheltenham Borough Council just one day before this expires If it is given the green light it would see the largest ever swathe of greenbelt land in the UK transformed into a new town spanning 620 acres It would stretch from the A4019 Tewkesbury Road to the Hyde river and encompass land in Swindon Village It would include a mixture of more than 4,000 homes it may still fall at the final hurdle as both committees need to vote to approve the application or the development cannot go ahead director of community and economic development at Cheltenham Borough Council said: "As this is a cross-boundary site it will be considered separately by the planning committees of each council have been working collaboratively on this development throughout the journey of this planning application and this includes a shared case officer As such the officer recommendation and the detail of the report to planning committees will be the same for each council "We cannot pre-empt the debate and decisions of the planning committees Approval of the application requires the approval of both planning committees If either committee refuses the application then the applicant will be entitled to appeal." The land was first earmarked for a mixed development in the Joint Core Strategy between Tewkesbury It was adopted in 2017 and sets out how they want the region to develop Campaigners from Save the Countryside have dedicated hours of their spare time over the years to fighting the loss of so much of the Cotswolds countryside Developers claim Elms Park would play a crucial role in the region's future growth with £1billion set to be invested into the construction sector over 10-15 years They estimate the completed project would bring more than 5,000 jobs and £210million annual income to the area The project is also linked to the £293.2m M5 J10 improvement scheme by Gloucestershire County Council which will break ground this summer if given the final green light from the Government It would see the area unlocked for future residents with a new link road to west Cheltenham created widening of the A4019 Tewkesbury Road and provision of dedicated footways and cycle lanes Meanwhile work on Elms Park has already begun a 266-home development known as Regents Village was approved in March 2023 and is being built off Manor Road in Swindon Village with details of its site levels tree planting and future road management and maintenance recently submitted At the time of the decision some councillors expressed concerns it was putting the cart before the horse but Persimmon Homes said the initial wave of homes would potentially inform the wider Elms Park plans If the outline planning application is approved later this month there would still be years of planning work ahead to confirm the finer details of the development Tewkesbury Borough Council is due to hold a special planning meeting from 9.30am on Thursday Cheltenham Borough Council is due to hold an Extraordinary planning committee meeting from 3pm on Thursday The Elms Park Consortium said in a joint statement: " The application includes 4,115 new homes with 35% being affordable housing three new schools (one secondary and two primary) a new transport hub with new bus services into central Cheltenham and Tewkesbury a new sports hub including tennis courts and an all-weather pitch new community centre and new Doctors surgery "There will also be more than 100 hectares of publicly available open space including a large new park and multiple play areas for younger and older children "The proposed development will deliver much-needed housing to the region and we hope that the planning committees consider the application favourably." 'Another shining jewel for visitors to see in Gloucester' John Fisher is recognised for his exceptional leadership and contribution to the technology industry Watchdogs' tracker nudges down in wake of Trump's tarrifs The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today (May 6) Reproduction of any content is strictly forbidden without prior permission We use cookies to help make our website better. For more information on cookies and how to block them, visit https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/online/cookies/ Expect giant laughs at The Roses Theatre's spectacular family pantomime this Christmas 2025 – here's when it's on stage and how to get tickets The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury is reaching for new heights with its Christmas pantomime this year as Jack and the Beanstalk comes to the stage – oh yes it does!  Bringing a cast of colourful characters to Tewkesbury for the festive season Jack and the Beanstalk promises to be a giant-sized adventure that's full of beans.  From the Roses Theatre's talented in-house creative team who were behind last year's critically acclaimed production of Cinderella even bigger songs and more dazzling costumes than you can shake a bag of beans at Soak up the magic with family and friends and find out if Jack has what it takes to outwit the fearsome giant as Jack and the Beanstalk hits the stage at The Roses Theatre from Saturday 29 November 2025 until Saturday 3 January 2026 There are also accessible performances so everyone can enjoy the show with a sensory and dementia-friendly performance on Sunday 14 December at 11am and a BSL-signed performance on Thursday 30 December at 4pm.  Tickets are on sale now and cost from £20 to £32 each For more information, or to book tickets, visit rosestheatre.org Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime at The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury Saturday 29 November 2025; Wednesday 3 December 2025; Saturday 6 to Sunday 7 December 2025; Saturday 13 to Sunday 14 December 2025; Saturday 20 to Wednesday 24 December 2025; Friday 26 to Wednesday 31 December 2025; Friday 2 to Saturday 3 January 2026 Weekly lifestyle and business highlights straight to your inbox Being able to favourite articles is just one of a host of member exclusive benefits Being able to create your own lists is just one of a host of member exclusive benefits Comedy legend and musical maestro Bill Bailey is coming back to Gloucestershire this summer with a week-long residency at The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury Comedy legend Bill Bailey is coming back to Gloucestershire in 2025, with The Roses Theatre revealing exclusively to SoGlos that he'll be in Tewkesbury for a week-long residency this summer Bill was last at The Roses Theatre back in September 2023 for a run of eight sell-out shows debuting brand-new material.  he's performing a whopping 14 shows in seven days from Monday 11 to Sunday 17 August 2025 bringing even more brand-new material to the stage for the first time in what promises to be one of the theatre's highlights of the summer season which is aptly named Bill Bailey's Work in Progress gives audiences the chance to watch Bill develop his new material live as well as enjoying his musical virtuosity quick wit and surreal chat in an intimate theatre environment.  As well as being one of Britain's most acclaimed stand-up comedians Bill has starred in iconic British comedy series Black Books and appeared as a regular panellist on shows including Never Mind The Buzzcocks said: 'It’s always a joy to welcome Bill to The Roses. His generosity on stage his ability to connect with the audience and his wildly inventive comedy make every night feel like a one-off experience.' Tickets for Bill Bailey's Work in Progress at The Roses Theatre go on sale on Thursday 17 April 2025 and cost £28.50 each For more information, or to book, visit rosestheatre.org, or call the Box Office on 01684 295074. Witness Tewkesbury Abbey transformed by two spectacular installations that unite art including the illuminating work of Luxmuralis bringing powerful visuals to the magnificent building Inviting visitors to carry the ideals of peace forward, this mass-participation artwork is created with around 8,000 individually handmade paper doves which are suspended on ribbon, filling the Abbey's iconic nave Collaborating with community partner The Roses Theatre to engage the local community schools and groups which have been invited to participate in the project the artwork will be accompanied by a specially curated soundscape by composer Taking place in the evening from Saturday 1 to Thursday 27 February 2025 tickets cost £9 for adults and £6.50 for children aged four to 17 years old — while children under three can go along for free Sensory-friendly sessions are also available on Wednesday 5 19 and 26 February 2025 between 5pm and 6pm dimmed lighting and designated quiet spaces For more information and to book tickets, visit tewkesburyabbey.org.uk/peace-doves.  Peace Doves and Imagine Peace at Tewkesbury Abbey Entrance times are at 30-minute intervals throughout the evening starting from 5.30pm until 7.30pm Tickets cost £9 for adults and £6.50 for children aged four to 17 years old — while children under three can go along for free Those who are interested in finding out more about fostering a child are invited to visit Gloucestershire County Council Fostering's latest information pop-up at Tewkesbury's BIG Weekend Find out how you can make a positive impact to the life of a child in Gloucestershire by providing them with a safe and loving home, at Gloucestershire County Council’s latest in-person information session Taking place at Tewkesbury's BIG Weekend on Sunday 18 May 2025 from 10.45am to 5.30pm people who are interested in finding out more about fostering a child can speak to an experienced foster carer and one of the council's team about how the rewarding process can work More than 760 children of all ages are currently in care in Gloucestershire — and finding local foster carers is essential in ensuring these youngsters can stay at the schools of their choice and close to friends and family The pop-up session will explain the various types of foster care personal stories of fostering and the support available GCC's recruitment colleagues will be on hand to speak to you about the fostering application process and answer any questions; plus there will also be information to take away and read to help people decide the best way to go forward in their fostering journey Fostering is open to anyone over 21 regardless of race religion or sexuality; whether single or in a relationship; in employment or otherwise; and whether they rent or own their home if you are considering fostering in the future — or thinking of applying soon — this pop-up is for you For more information, call 01242 532654, visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/events or email fostering@gloucestershire.gov.uk Tewkesbury's BIG Weekend Fostering Information Session By Sarah Wood | 25th April 2025 Colleagues have paid tribute to a councillor who has sadly passed away following a hard-fought battle with cancer Independent councillor Cllr Elaine MacTiernan who represented the Northway ward for Tewkesbury Borough Council Cllr MacTiernan was elected as a borough councillor in 2011 said: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Cllr MacTiernan Her work made a considerable impact on our community and she tirelessly campaigned on behalf of those within her ward patience and good humour and I would like to extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to all who knew her." chief executive of Tewkesbury Borough Council said: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Cllr MacTiernan a remarkable individual who embodied dedication and compassion in her role as a borough councillor Her vast life experience enriched her work enabling her to serve with wisdom and integrity "She was a trusted figure among her constituents and officers Her absence leaves a void that will be keenly felt by all who knew her but her legacy will continue to inspire us." Flags will fly at Tewkesbury Borough Council offices at half-mast as a mark of respect Having previously voted to change its name to better reflect its communities Tewkesbury Borough Council has cancelled the rebrand this January 2025 — in response to plans for the restructuring of local government across England Tewkesbury Borough Council will retain its name until devolution is achieved in Gloucestershire with councillors voting not to go ahead with a previously planned change Following consultation with residents and businesses, the council voted to change its name to North Gloucestershire Borough Council in September 2024 with a view to better reflecting all its communities and putting the borough on the map to attract investment The first phase of rollout of the new name was set to take place in December 2024, but was postponed because of the anticipated publication of the government white paper on devolution only £100 has been spent on the name change — the purchase of a new web address from the government discussions continue over the establishment of a new unitary structure in Gloucestershire between its county council and five district councils more than 1,000 people have signed a petition to stop Gloucestershire from being split into two unitary councils following a proposal made by five Gloucestershire MPs in a letter to the government gave a list of reasons for 'strongly' opposing the proposal including the potential impact on public services writing that 'no one voted for the break up of Gloucestershire' By Sarah Wood | 20th February 2025 Robert Hitchins Ltd has applied to Tewkesbury Borough Council for planning permission for 140 more homes The planned development is on 8.78ha of agricultural land south of Fiddington Lane in Ashchurch It is close to the 'Land at Fiddington' development of 850 homes a primary school and local centre which is currently under construction To the west of the site is 'Land North West of Fiddington' which has planning permission for 460 new homes The proposed site consists of one pasture field, classified as 'moderate quality land' for agricultural purposes which is bound by Fiddington Lane to the west and north with hedgerows along its edges. It is very close to Cotswolds Designer Outlet The finished scheme will include both market and affordable housing of varying sizes but no detail on the size of the houses or breakdown between market and affordable has yet been specified But the planned development will include both two-storey and three-storey buildings with planned roads on the development curved to create a more organic feel All streets serving more than 10 homes will be tree lined The scheme also includes a new pedestrian and cycle route which connects to the cycle route within the 'Land off Fiddington Lane' development to the north This will allow easy access to the amenities proposed within the developments approved to the north and north west The residential areas of the site will include an average of 40 homes per hectare allowing for a range of homes of different sizes to accommodate a variety of household types Homes ranging from larger detached houses to smaller terraced houses will allow for a greater variety in the proposed street scene Proposed building densities are higher towards the centre of the site with looser building densities at the edges of the scheme and fronting Fiddington Lane with staggered building lines providing a transition from urban to rural character The public open space included in the plans will include additional areas of long and rough grassland which will be sown with native wildflower grassland seed mixtures These new areas will increase the diversity of plants on the site and provide suitable habitat for wildlife The Design and Access Statement to support the planning application said: "The proposed development will create much needed housing in Tewkesbury in a sustainable location." By Sarah Wood | 11th March 2025 Plans to close a restaurant and convert it into a hotel have been given the go-ahead Premier Inn Hotels Ltd applied to Tewkesbury Borough Council for permission to convert Elmbury Lodge Brewers Fayre into 20 hotel rooms the Brewers Fayre at Shannon Way in Ashchurch is open to the public and seats up to 200 customers Tewkesbury Premier Inn is in a separate neigbouring building and has 59 bedrooms The Premier Inn and Brewers Fayre site acts as a service area for the M5 and offers accommodation to business travellers to Tewkesbury Business Park In a covering letter supporting the planning application said: "Premier Inn has identified a considerable demand for additional budget hotel accommodation in this location The proposal for additional bedrooms would meet Premier Inn's operational requirements at the location and help to address increased bedroom demand." Neither Tewkesbury Town Council nor Ashchurch Parish Council objected to the plans although the parish council said: "It remains disappointed in the closure of the bar restaurant and soft play area to the public." A member of the public wrote in support of the plans and said: "Delighted it will remove the pub and offer more hotel rooms for business visitors instead due to its location near to Tewkesbury Business Park The elevation and/ or building works will not affect residents of Shannon Way/ Furrowfield Park." The conversion of the restaurant will mainly involve internal works although where necessary existing openings in the external walls will be removed and new openings proposed as part of the works Plans also includes two minor extensions to the restaurant building The 110-space car park and 16 cycle parking spaces will be retained The council agreed last year to change its name to North Gloucestershire Borough Council But after the Government unveiled plans to reorganise local authorities in England scrapping the district tier to create new unitary authorities Tewkesbury decided it was ‘prudent’ to reconsider the name change A council report says funding the project ‘when the council will cease to exist’ could be deemed ‘an inefficient use of money and resources’ just £100 of the £10,000 set aside for the project has been spent Gloucestershire County Council has asked the Government to delay its elections this year so the region can progress quickly with reorganisation although Tewkesbury said there was a ‘lack of consensus’ about the best approach for the region Council leader Richard Stanley said last month: ‘Given the new direction outlined in the Government’s White Paper I believe maintaining our current name is the most prudent course of action.’ Councillors will review the name change on 28 January New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues UK-first tool developed by Bluesky scores areas green credentials to aid urban planners New partnership drives improved air quality and healthier homes in social housing ShuttleID launches 90-day free trial for local authorities Invision360 secures Innovate UK smart grant for VITA EHCP generator New technology to revolutionise air quality monitoring Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland Acrospire Enhances Harlington Underpass with Energy-Saving Vandal-Resistant Lighting Croydon Council selects integrated corporate GIS to improve efficiencies Bath & North East Somerset Council Shines Light on Heritage Preservation with Acrospire's LED Upgrade Airtech Improves Indoor Air Quality and Tackles Mould for Mid-Devon Social Housing Resident Acrospire's Sustainable Lighting Solution for Luton Bus Shelters Believ excels in environmental responsibility and worker satisfaction in B Corp certification Matrix Workforce Management Solutions Appoints Andrew Curry as Client Engagement Director for Health and Social Care Stepping up to help disabled social housing tenants Envirobed® CD534: The benchmark for bedding mortars since 2005 Vent-Axia Supports Global Recycling Day 2025 Vent-Axia Publishes Free eBook to Help Social Housing Landlords Navigate Awaab’s Law Unlock Awaab’s Law compliance with audits The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response Sitting at the crossroads of history and natural beauty Tewkesbury and the wider North Gloucestershire region offer a glimpse into England’s past while embracing the present Whether tracing the echoes of battle through historic streets walking in the footsteps of royalty at Sudeley Castle or taking in the landscape from the heights of Cleeve Hill North Gloucestershire offers more than just a pleasant day out—it offers a sense of place shaped by centuries of history and the rhythms of nature Tewkesbury’s history is written in its architecture from the black-and-white timbered buildings that line its streets to the grandeur of Tewkesbury Abbey The Abbey has stood at the heart of the town for more than 900 years its Norman tower rising above the rooftops its stained-glass windows casting coloured light over stone floors worn smooth by centuries of footsteps the Abbey will host Peace Doves and Imagine Peace an immersive art installation featuring thousands of paper doves suspended in the nave with a light and sound display designed to transform the space into something otherworldly holds stories of the town’s past within its walls while a short walk leads to the site of the Battle of Tewkesbury the Wars of the Roses reached one of their bloodiest climaxes the town’s connection to this defining moment is brought vividly to life with the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival Re-enactors in full armour recreate the battle while the surrounding streets fill with music and crafts in one of the largest medieval celebrations of its kind Sudeley Castle offers another layer of history The castle’s walls have witnessed a thousand years of English royalty and it remains the final resting place of Katherine Parr Its award-winning gardens and well-preserved ruins are a reminder that history is not confined to books and museums—it exists in the landscapes we walk through known for its rolling hills and picturesque villages offering some of the region’s most rewarding walks a small town just a few miles from Tewkesbury Routes lead from its centre out into the countryside past the ruins of Hailes Abbey and up to Belas Knap a Neolithic burial site that has stood on its hilltop for thousands of years the highest point in the Cotswolds at 330 metres the view stretches beyond the Malvern Hills to the distant outlines of Wales is another reminder that people have been drawn to this landscape for millennia For those who prefer to experience the countryside at a gentler pace a boat trip along the Severn or Avon provides an opportunity to drift through the landscape following the waterways that have shaped this region for centuries North Gloucestershire is not a place that relies on its past alone The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway keeps the golden age of rail travel alive offering a 28-mile round trip through the hills and villages of the region The journey from Broadway to Cheltenham reveals views that might be missed by car winding through fields and woodland on its way to the bustle of Cheltenham’s streets tells another side of the region’s transport history tracing aviation’s evolution from the earliest planes to the jet age explores the intersection of creativity and the natural world with an ever-changing selection of exhibitions For those who prefer more active pursuits 417 Bike Park on Crickley Hill offers mountain bike trails that cater to both beginners and experienced riders while the endurance cycling event Hell of the North Cotswolds will see riders tackling distances of up to 140km through the surrounding hills draws visitors each summer when its fields burst into a sea of purple Snowshill Manor and Stanway House both offer glimpses into the lives of past generations with carefully preserved interiors and gardens designed for wandering Accommodation in North Gloucestershire ranges from grand country hotels to simple self-catering cottages reflecting the variety of experiences the region has to offer and Dumbleton Hall Hotel all provide a luxurious base from which to explore Golfers may find Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel or Tewkesbury Park Hotel particularly appealing with courses that take advantage of the region’s rolling terrain Those who prefer waking up to views of the hills might opt for Cleeve Hill Hotel all of which provide easy access to walking trails self-catering options range from historic cottages in Winchcombe to lodges set within the grounds of Sudeley Castle offering water-based activities alongside its camping and cabin options with opportunities for fruit-picking and nature trails Tewkesbury and North Gloucestershire do not demand attention in the way that some tourist destinations do rewarding those who take the time to wander their streets and uncover the layers of history embedded in their landscapes For those looking to experience the region for themselves, further information on events, attractions, and accommodation can be found at Visit Tewkesbury Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right By Laura Enfield | 13th March 2025 A five year delay means cost for the M5 J9 improvements works are now expected to reach more than £520million Gloucestershire County Council has so far spent £10m developing the project in Ashchurch and a decision on whether it can move forward is expected next month It wants a new or reconfigured junction which will include re-routing of a section of the A46 between the M5 and Teddington Hands roundabout to help solve long standing traffic issues The area is also due for an extra influx of vehicles due to the upcoming Cotswolds Designer Outlet and Fiddington Fields housing development The council first announced plans to bid for Government funding for the project in 2019 and Strategic Outline Case (SOC) for the scheme was submitted to Department of Transport in September 2022 Potential shortlisted options were opened for public consultation  at the end of last year and included creating a J9a - between the existing J10 and J9 The project was originally targeted for construction between 2025 and 2030 with National Highways' early cost estimates ranging between £390m and £520m the council has now said it won't be on site until 2030-2035 which means the price tag will spiral due to increased inflation and greater levels of risk and uncertainty environment and infrastructure for Gloucestershire County Council said the case had now been considered by Government subcommittee the IPDC and a decision was imminent "We won't know the decision for a month yet but we put the £10m in on the hope we will get a £500m scheme," he added If approved the council will still need to submit an Outline Business Case and then a Full Business Case for the project which will take years and millions more pounds to complete It is also waiting for a DCO (development consent order) for the £334m M5 J10 project Mr Chick said the cost of developing the major projects was worth the risk as it was the only way to secure major government money It's always about an act of faith to a certain degree but if we are not a player in the game we haven't got any chance of getting the funding." He added: "Sometimes you have to take those bold steps to bring that money back in again because it is competitive and you need to have the best case you can to win that money against other people in the country." At the meeting of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Infrastructure Fund committee it was confirmed £1m would be given to the M5 Junction 9 and A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme to help fund the development of the scheme By Sarah Wood | 13th December 2024 A company which makes precision parts for the NHS has applied to Tewkesbury Borough Council for permission to build a new industrial building Plans for the proposed building in Toddington will be discussed by the council's planning committee on Tuesday (December 17) Bushell & Meadows is currently based at Tewkesbury Business Park but has outgrown the space and needs to expand which is set to rise to between 75 and 80 in the next five to 10 years Having failed to find suitable alternative accommodation elsewhere and wishing to remain in Tewkesbury borough it has applied to the council to build its new premises on 3.6ha of agricultural land close to Orchard Business Park in Toddington John Ryde Commercial has monitored the market for the business and confirmed the application site is the only suitable opportunity which has arisen in five and a half years Council officers are recommending the committee gives plans for the proposed 8,625sq m industrial building the go-ahead But both Toddington Parish Council and neighbouring Alderton Parish Council have objected to the plans Objections include the fact that the site is separate from any built-up area concerns around vehicle access and highway safety There have also been 61 objections from member of the public The application site was previously recognised as potential employment land in the Tewkesbury Borough Plan The proposals are supported by the council's Economic Development Team which supports the retention of an established business and its existing employees in the borough and also allows for the growth and expansion of an existing company in a key growth sector for the borough Bushell & Meadows said remaining within Tewkesbury borough is important to it to support its existing staff The workforce is predominantly skilled engineers and machinists who produce precision engineered components for the medical industry A large proportion of the company's employees have worked for the company for a long time and training to operate the company's specialist machinery The company said it is essential that these skills are retained within the business is a key consideration of its long-term planning The planning application is a hybrid application which seeks full planning permission for phase 1 of the plans - erection of the industrial building - and phase 2 seeks outline planning permission for a smaller industrial building to be built at a later date Phase 1 will support Bushell & Meadows' current requirement for more floorspace while phase 2 will allow for future business growth The plans will be discussed next week (December 17) and officers are recommended the development be permitted The renaming of a Gloucestershire council to better represent communities and spur economic growth has been delayed this December 2024 while the council waits to assess how its finances will be impacted by an expected transfer of powers from the UK Government A move to change the name of Tewkesbury Borough Council has been rescheduled to 2025 with the council waiting to consider whether the change will be cost effective after an expected devolution of powers The phased name change — which was approved following consultation with local residents and businesses — was set to begin in December 2024, but has been rescheduled until March 2025 due to the delay in publication of an anticipated government white paper on devolution, which was initially due in November 2024. The council says it wants to consider how the white paper — which is expected to outline the transfer of powers from central government to local authorities — will impact on its finances, before committing to the name change and its associated costs, such as changing its logo on physical assets, as well as across its website and social media channels. Being able to favourite articles is just one of a host of member exclusive benefits. Plus, it's completely free. Being able to create your own lists is just one of a host of member exclusive benefits. Plus, it's completely free. CloseThousands of paper doves are hanging in an abbey with messages of "love and peace" on them written by the local community About 9,000 paper birds are hanging from the ceiling at Tewkesbury Abbey Reverend Canon Nick Davies said it is a "striking" art piece The art installation is on until 27 February Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionEditor's recommendationsThousands of paper doves showcase 'peace and love' Video 00:00:42Thousands of paper doves showcase 'peace and love' 0:42Up Next Merz defeat 'an obstacle not a catastrophe' Video 00:01:05Merz defeat 'an obstacle not a catastrophe' 1:05Watch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz 00:01:44Watch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz 1:44Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day 00:01:25Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day 1:25Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster Video 00:01:21Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster 1:21'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result 00:01:20'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result 1:20Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK 00:02:54Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK 2:54Watch: Key moments from the local elections.. 00:01:32Watch: Key moments from the local elections.. 1:32Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories 00:01:11Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories 1:11Russell Brand's court appearance explained.. 00:00:50Russell Brand's court appearance explained.. 0:50Ros Atkins on.. What's in the US-Ukraine resources deal 1:23Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election 00:01:18Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election By Sarah Wood | 10th April 2025 Detailed plans for 136 new homes for Innsworth will be discussed next week Plans for Phase 7 of the huge development on land north of Innsworth Lane are on the agenda for Tewkesbury Borough Council's Planning Committee on Tuesday (April 15) Outline planning permission for a mixed development of up to 1,300 homes and 8.31 hectares of employment land was granted in 2017 with this latest planning application for detail of access landscape and scale of the 136 homes planned for Phase 7 of Whittle Gardens 67 four-bed homes and eight five-beds in a mix of small terraces There will be 46 affordable houses on the development made up of 28 units for affordable rent and 18 for intermediate housing (shared ownership) These will be evenly distributed across the site in small cluster groups and will be indistinguishable from the open market homes The new homes will be located on a 4.25-hectare predominantly undeveloped greenfield site to the north of Phases 1 Innsworth Parish Council has objected to the proposal in relation to foul water and flooding The council has raised concerns about flooding affecting parishioners and that existing sewers can't cope A further comment was made in relation to a Construction Method Statement (CMS) not being provided and concerns about working hours and how the site would be accessed Severn Trent raised no objection to the proposals and confirmed that foul sewage for this phase (and all phases for site) is to discharge to a sewage pump station and there is a scheme being implemented to provide capacity for the whole 1,300 home site The Environment Agency raised no objection and confirmed that all proposed homes and attenuation features are outside the area of high flood risk Objections were also received from local residents around delivery and construction times on site being in breach of the construction hours But planning officers at Tewkesbury Borough Council are recommending that the committee approves the plans Council officers assessed the Design Compliance Statement (DCS) during the planning application and asked for amendments to the scheme They consider that the updated plans reflect and build on the principles and parameters set out when the entire scheme was granted outline planning permission The landscape strategy for Phase 7 focuses on keeping key features within green corridors and larger areas of public open space to integrate the site with its surroundings The existing hedgerows and woodland areas will be retained with only short sections removed to provide for necessary movement routes Verges have been incorporated along secondary streets to allow for tree planting with new hedge and shrub planting outside homes and green corridors to provide a green edge and enhance the character and appearance of the area The report to the committee concluded: "On balance the proposal would accord with the outline planning permission and principles and parameters therein and the proposed development would be acceptable in terms of access The Planning Committee will discuss the development on Tuesday