Cotswold District Council

07/09/2026

The Government has today unexpectedly announced that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is being paused and reviewed, including proposals affecting Gloucestershire, and therefore Cotswold District Council. Councils in Gloucestershire are seeking further information.

The Government says the review will ensure the reorganisation process is robust, complies with legal requirements, and aligns with its wider plans for devolution and local government reform.

At this stage, we do not have further details on the implications for Gloucestershire or the timescales for completing the review.

Read the full statement: https://news.cotswold.gov.uk/news/statement-on-local-government-reorganisation

07/09/2026

Have your say on affordable housing in Gloucestershire! 👇

🏡 Have Your Say on Affordable Housing in Gloucestershire!

We’re carrying out a short online survey to better understand affordable housing needs across Gloucestershire.

Your response will help build a stronger picture of local housing need and support efforts to deliver more affordable homes where they’re needed most.

Every response counts! Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and encourage others to have their say too.

👉 https://online1.snapsurveys.com/GlosAffordableHousing

07/09/2026

🏺 Discover thousands of years of history at Corinium Museum

From prehistoric settlements and Iron Age communities to Anglo-Saxon burials and medieval gatherings, Salmonsbury Camp in Bourton-on-the-Water has been a focal point for human activity for thousands of years.

This September, a new exhibition at Corinium Museum brings the remarkable story of this historic landscape to life through a fascinating combination of archaeology, contemporary art and archive material. 🎨🏺

Salmonsbury is the culmination of a year-long collaboration between artists, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and Corinium Museum, exploring the archaeology, history and natural landscape of Salmonsbury Camp.

📅 10 September – 11 October
📍 Corinium Museum, Cirencester

There will also be special events during the exhibition, including an afternoon talk and a prehistoric textiles workshop with award-winning experimental archaeologist and heritage educator Sally Pointer.

👉 Find out more about the exhibition and events: https://news.cotswold.gov.uk/news/salmonsbury-a-celebration-of-landscape-and-history

06/09/2026

🔥 Could your home be safer from fire risks?

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service offers free Home Fire Safety Visits to help keep you and your household safe.

During a visit, specially trained firefighters and Community Safety Advisors can:
🏠 Give advice on fire safety in your home
🚨 Fit smoke alarms free of charge where needed
⚠️ Identify risks such as falls and cold homes
💙 Offer guidance around winter illness, loneliness and social isolation

If you're worried about a fire risk in your home — or someone else's — you can request advice by calling 0800 180 4140 or emailing [email protected].

👉 Find out more: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/glosfire/home-fire-safety-visit/

05/09/2026

If you live in the Blockley ward, make sure you’re registered to vote in the by-election. If you’re not registered, you won’t be able to vote.

You can register online today. It’s super easy to do and takes just 5 minutes.

Registration deadline: Tuesday 8 September

Postal deadline: 5pm Wednesday 9 September

Proxy deadline: 5pm Wednesday 16 September

Remember, your vote is your voice. Make sure you’re registered to vote at gov.uk/registertovote

05/09/2026

🏛️ Discover the extraordinary in everyday histories this Heritage Open Days.

This September, the Corinium Museum is bringing the fascinating stories of everyday life in Cirencester and the surrounding area to life as part of Heritage Open Days – and there are lots of free activities to enjoy.

From medieval monks and townspeople to the communities who shaped our area, discover the people and stories behind our local heritage.

📅 Friday 11 September
🏺 Join free curator-led tours of the Salmonsbury Exhibition at 10.30am and 2.30pm
🚶 Take a free taster session of the Medieval Cirencester Town Walk at 11.15am

🏛️ And we're getting involved too!

Our Council Chamber on Trinity Road will be open from 10am–4pm, giving you the chance to see where democracy takes place for our district. While you're there, you can also take a look inside Cirencester's historic Lock Up, built in 1804.

📅 Saturday 12 September
🎨 Drop into Corinium Museum's Winstone Learning Centre for free, family-friendly craft activities inspired by Cirencester's Augustinian Abbey.

There will also be discounted museum admission throughout the weekend, with adult and senior tickets just £5.40 and concessions and children £2.

🎟️ Places for the curator-led tours and medieval town walk taster are limited, so booking is required. No booking is needed for the craft activities.

👉 Find out more: https://news.cotswold.gov.uk/news/discover-the-extraordinary-in-everyday-histories-at-corinium-museums-free-heritage-open-days-events

04/09/2026

Our HomeseekerPlus Co-ordinator, Peter David, recently brought together housing partners from across Gloucestershire to share experiences, insights and best practice. 🏠

In addition to representatives from each of the seven local authorities and registered providers in the partnership, the event was also attended by key stakeholders from across the district, including representatives from Cirencester Town Council and Cotswold District Council.

Peter works closely with councils and housing providers to help ensure people in greatest need can access safe, affordable homes.

As we move towards Local Government Reorganisation, it’s more important than ever that housing partners across Gloucestershire continue to work together, share knowledge and have these important conversations.

📸 Pictured: members of the HomeseekerPlus Operational Group, including officers from Stroud District Council, Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council, Tewkesbury Borough Council, West Oxfordshire District Council and Forest of Dean District Council.

04/09/2026

💙 Meet Nigel Poole, who recently celebrated 10 years in Customer Services.

From reassuring residents during difficult times to sharing his expertise with new starters, Nigel's dedication has made a lasting difference to countless people across the district.

"There's something really special about helping people and making a difference when there is something they are worrying about."

Read Nigel's story as part of our Lasting Legacy project: https://cotswold.gov.uk/lasting-legacy-sharing-memories/

03/09/2026

🌳 Green spaces, nature and green infrastructure.

You told us that nature matters. We agree.

Our proposed Local Plan puts green infrastructure at the heart of new development – from parks, trees and wildlife habitats to ponds, green corridors and spaces that people can enjoy.

Around 80% of the district is protected as part of the Cotswolds National Landscape, and the plan seeks to protect important habitats including ancient woodland and species-rich grassland.

But green infrastructure isn’t just about protecting what’s already here. It’s also about creating new green spaces that support nature, improve biodiversity and give people places to connect with the outdoors.

🌿 Watch our video to find out more about green infrastructure and how it can help shape healthier, greener communities.

💬 What do you think? Have your say on the proposed Local Plan.

🗓️ The consultation is open now and closes Monday 5 October.

👉 Find out more and take part: cotswold.gov.uk/localplan

03/09/2026

“Now the work really starts!”

A major new chapter for Cirencester is on the horizon following planning permission for the Royal Agricultural University’s pioneering Innovation Village.

The 24,000 sqm development will be the UK’s first Innovation Village dedicated to the land-based sector, bringing together education, research and industry to drive agri-tech innovation, sustainability and green economic growth.

But what happens next?

We caught up with Graham Pollard, Chief Operating Officer at the Royal Agricultural University, to find out what planning permission means for the project — and what it could bring to Cirencester and the wider area.

Read the full interview and find out more about the vision for the Innovation Village 👉 https://news.cotswold.gov.uk/news/now-the-work-really-starts