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We are advising of forthcoming changes to the planning system in England being introduced by the Government from 31 October 2026. The changes form part of a new national approach that will affect how Stroud District Council, and other local planning authorities, make decisions on planning applications.

Under the Government's new National Scheme of Delegation, planning applications will be split into two categories.

Schedule 1 applications must be decided by professional planning officers and cannot be referred to Planning Committee.

Schedule 2 applications may be referred to Planning Committee, but only where specific criteria set by the Government are met and the application is considered to raise significant planning, economic, social or environmental issues. In most cases, planning applications will continue to be decided by planning officers.

The Government has introduced these changes to create a more consistent approach to planning decisions across England and to ensure Planning Committees focus on the applications that raise the most significant issues.

The changes do not affect people's ability to comment on planning applications. Importantly, Town and Parish Councils will continue to be statutory consultees on planning applications and their views will remain an important material consideration in the decision-making process. The requirement to consult Town and Parish Councils on relevant planning applications is unchanged. We greatly value the local knowledge and insight that Town and Parish Councils provide on behalf of local communities, which helps to inform planning decisions and ensure local circumstances are fully understood.

We will publish further information on the councils website to explain how the new national rules will operate locally and what they mean for applicants, consultees and local communities. Additional guidance will be made available in due course.

Stroud District Council has agreed to provide up to £245,000 to support the next stage of plans to secure the long-term future of Woodchester Mansion. The decision was approved by councillors at the October Strategy and Resources Committee and will help the Woodchester Mansion Trust prepare a major funding application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Woodchester Mansion is a Grade I listed building owned by Stroud District Council and leased to the Woodchester Mansion Trust, which manages and cares for this heritage asset. The National Trust owns the surrounding Woodchester Park and has been working alongside the council and the Trust to help develop plans to ensure the mansion's future.

The council's funding will help bridge a gap between existing grant funding ending in December 2026 and the next stage of the project. It will allow specialist staff to remain in post and continue work on an Expression of Interest and, if successful, a full application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

In 2025, the Woodchester Mansion Trust secured a £154,729 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, supported by £30,000 match funding from Stroud District Council. The grant has helped strengthen governance, improve business planning, carry out surveys of the building, develop future project proposals and expand community engagement.

The work completed through the resilience project has created a strong foundation for the next stage of development. Without additional support, there is a risk that progress made over the past year could be lost before the next funding application is submitted.

If successful, a future grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund project would support the preservation of Woodchester Mansion and improvements that help secure the building's long-term future. A phased approach has been adopted for this project, and this funding will enable to the Mansion to take a major step forward to the next phase, in terms of its long-term sustainability.

The decision supports the council's commitment in its Council Plan to secure a sustainable future for Woodchester Mansion and the park in which it sits, enabling more people to access and enjoy this important cultural and heritage site.

Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council said:

"Woodchester Mansion is a special place: an important part of our district's heritage and a much-loved local landmark. Not every council is privileged to own a Grade I listed, unfinished gothic mansion, complete with a rare bat maternity roost, and we're very mindful of the responsibilities that come with that!

"The funding agreed by the council will help ensure that the work already carried out through The National Lottery Heritage Fund resilience project can continue. It will support the preparation of the next funding application and help maintain momentum while longer-term plans are developed.

"As the owner of the mansion, the council has a responsibility to help protect this nationally important building. This decision supports our Council Plan commitment to secure a sustainable future for Woodchester Mansion and enable more people to access and enjoy this unique heritage site.

"The progress made so far shows the value of the partnership between the council, the Woodchester Mansion Trust and the National Trust. We look forward to continuing that work in the years ahead."

Rhiannon Wigzell, Chair of Trustees at Woodchester Mansion said:

“Thank you to Stroud District Council’s officers and councillors for this wonderful result, and to the National Trust for their support along the way. As councillors said during the debate, Woodchester Mansion is of international significance for its architecture, it’s a place where trainee stonemasons hone their skills, and where endangered Greater and Lesser Horseshoe bats breed. Thank you also to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the resilience grant which has given us momentum, and much useful information to build on.

“The Mansion is a Grade I listed unfinished masterpiece with floors and ceilings missing, unplastered walls, and unglazed windows - what is not there, never was. As the underlying construction is visible, it really is a house like no other. It’s a showpiece for the outstanding craftsmanship, including exquisite stone carving, of the unknown stonemasons who worked there. It’s also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, alongside Woodchester Park, for Horseshoe bats.

“Woodchester Mansion is a very special place, and this grant is a significant step on the way to making sure this unique combination of built and natural heritage lasts for future generations.”

Over the past year, the Trust’s resilience project has delivered a range of improvements, including the recruitment of specialist staff, updated condition surveys, governance reviews, skills assessments and plans for greater community engagement.

The council's funding will enable this work to continue while proposals are developed for the next phase of the project, helping to safeguard an important part of the district's heritage for future generations.

Woodchester Mansion is open to the public 11am – 5pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 1 November. More information and tickets can be found here: Home - Woodchester Mansion

Whether you're clearing out a garage, replacing furniture or tackling a garden project, Fight Fly-Tipping Fortnight is a good reminder to think carefully about what happens to your waste after it leaves your property.

Before paying someone to take waste away, take a few minutes to check they're authorised to carry it. Rogue traders often offer cheap waste collection services but then dump rubbish illegally to avoid disposal costs.

Could someone else use it?

Before throwing something away, ask yourself whether it still has life left in it. Items in good working order could be:

• Sold through Facebook Marketplace
• Given away on Freegle
• Donated to a charity shop for resale

Reusing items helps reduce waste, supports local communities and can even put a little money back in your pocket. Disposal should always be the last resort.

Protect yourself from rogue traders

Many people don't realise that they have a legal Duty of Care when arranging for their waste to be removed. If your rubbish is fly-tipped and can be traced back to you, you could still be held responsible, even if you paid someone else to take it away.

To avoid being caught out:

• Ask to see the person's waste carrier registration number
• Check it on the Environment Agency's public register
• Ask for a receipt
• Keep a record of who collected your waste

Taking these simple steps can help ensure your waste is disposed of legally and responsibly.

Need to get rid of bulky items?

If you have large items that can't be reused, Stroud District Council offers a bulky waste collection service.

Collections cost £25 for up to three items, with additional items charged at £5 each. Residents who receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support are eligible for a discounted rate of £5 for up to three items.

By checking who is taking your waste and considering reuse options first, you can help protect the environment, support a cleaner district and avoid unwanted fines.