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Council Plan refreshed to deliver on ambition through to 2028

A revitalised version of Tewkesbury Borough Council’s strategic roadmap has been published, reaffirming the council’s commitment to supporting people and strengthening communities – while adapting to a changing local government landscape.

Originally approved on 15 May 2024, the Council Plan (2024–2030) set out a clear vision underpinned by three priorities: caring for people, caring for the environment, and caring for place. These remain unchanged, alongside the council’s values of being open and honest, respectful, and inclusive.

The plan has undergone its first annual refresh, ensuring it continues to be relevant and focused on delivery. This year’s refresh reflects national Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), which will see the creation of new unitary authorities by 1 April 2028.

In light of this, the Council Plan has been refocused as a three-year delivery plan (2025–2028). While the overarching vision and priority themes stay the same, several supporting actions have been updated. Using a ‘continue, change, cease’ approach, the council reviewed each action to focus on what can realistically be achieved by the end of 2028. Many actions are progressing well and will continue unchanged, while others have been adjusted to reflect delivery realities before the 2028 transition.

Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Leader, Councillor Richard Stanley, said: “This refresh strikes the right balance – staying true to our ambitions while ensuring we deliver results our residents can see and feel. With the changes ahead, we want this plan to guide real impact, not just good intentions.” 

Some highlights from actions during the last 12 months include the council’s national Climate Action Scorecard being at 44% – significantly above the national average of 35%.

The Development Management team won Local Authority Planning Team of the Year at the prestigious Planning Awards 2025, recognising their three-year business improvement which saw significant transformation for speed of planning application decisions. The council continues to support local communities and is working towards securing more affordable high-quality housing as part of the Strategic and Local Plan.

The council has also supported people’s health and wellbeing by supporting 12 new and existing warm spaces across borough, which offer free warm and safe places during winter with 12,000 visits to those spaces.

As well as a clear performance management tracker document supported with a suite of key performance indicators that accompany the plan, a number of strategies and programmes will inform and support its delivery. These include:

  • Climate Change and Ecological Framework
  • Housing and Homelessness Strategy
  • Waste and Recycling Strategy
  • Economic Development and Tourism Strategy
  • Strategic and Local Plan
  • Flood Response and Resilience Action Plan
  • Communications Strategy
  • Community Safety Strategy
  • Tree Strategy

The plan will be revisited in 2026 to reflect not only the progress and impact of Local Government Reorganisation but also the challenging financial landscape which the council will continue to face.

Tewkesbury Borough Council Plan can be viewed online at tewkesbury.gov.uk/council-plan 

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Press Release – New approach to grassland maintenance for Tewkesbury Borough

Today (Monday, 12 May 2025) a change in approach to maintaining grassland areas across Tewkesbury Borough, which will also see a biodiversity pilot scheme begin, has been announced.   

The council will no longer cut highway verges on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council, and it will only be responsible for maintaining its own land. The county council will use a suite of its own contractors to complete its grassland maintenance within the borough.   

This change will allow Gloucestershire County Council to introduce wildflowers in some areas, which helps towards increasing biodiversity.    

While the borough council will continue to maintain its areas, a ‘No Mow May’ pilot scheme in five locations across the borough will soon get underway.    

To enhance biodiversity and create essential habitats for birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, small sections of grass will be left to grow at Abbots Road – Brockworth, Katherine Close – Churchdown, Beeches Close – Highnam, Gloucester Road – Tewkesbury and Binyon Road – Winchcombe. This pilot follows the council’s declaration of an ecological emergency in 2023, and the priority of caring for the environment with further initiatives being explored to prevent species loss and protect the natural environment.   

Cllr Murray Stewart, Lead Member for Environmental Services said: “This step change aligns with the council’s broader sustainability and bio-diversity goals. As well as the No Mow May pilot scheme, we’re also exploring other ways in which we can give nature a better chance to improve biodiversity and support the local ecology.   

“We have let our parish councils know about the new approach and look forward to working with communities to ensure the success of this change.’’  

Residents may notice differences in grass maintenance across the borough and if anyone would like further information, residents can check the council owned grass maintenance areas map.    

For any concerns or comments about Tewkesbury Borough owned land, residents are asked to use the self service portal or call 01684 295010. 

More information about grass cutting by Gloucestershire County Council, the schedule and maps can be found here: Grass cutting | Highways. To raise any issues please use the FixMyStreet app.   

ENDS