Council revises local plan approach and agrees move to new Government ‘gateway’ system
Forest of Dean District Council has voted to revise its current Local Plan making approach and begin preparing a new plan using the Government’s new ‘gateway’ process, as a result of national government timetabling constraints, significant resident feedback and the need to update and progress the supporting technical evidence base.
Council votes to pause UNESCO Biosphere application process to allow extended consultation
At its Full Council meeting on Thursday 21 May, Forest of Dean District Council considered a motion at Full Council relating to the proposed UNESCO Biosphere designation and agreed to extend the consultation process before making an application to UNESCO. The decision will enable a further six months of engagement with residents, community groups, landowners and other interested parties, ensuring people have more time to understand the proposal and share their views.
2026/2027 Community Grants are open for application
Forest of Dean District Council has opened applications for its 2026/2027 Community Grants Fund, inviting not-for-profit voluntary and community groups to apply for financial support that strengthens local connections and empowers residents across the district.
A fresh start for Five Acres as construction officially begins
Residents will soon see the new community facility at Five Acres begin to take shape, with construction work now officially underway on phase one of the project.
Forest of Dean continues journey toward UNESCO Biosphere designation
The Forest of Dean District is continuing its journey towards becoming the UK’s eighth designated UNESCO Biosphere - a positive step focused on celebrating the area’s people, place, and proud working landscape.
Latest news
Council revises local plan approach and agrees move to new Government ‘gateway’ system
Forest of Dean District Council has voted to revise its current Local Plan making approach and begin preparing a new plan using the Government’s new ‘gateway’ process, as a result of national government timetabling constraints, significant resident feedback and the need to update and progress the supporting technical evidence base.
Council votes to pause UNESCO Biosphere application process to allow extended consultation
At its Full Council meeting on Thursday 21 May, Forest of Dean District Council considered a motion at Full Council relating to the proposed UNESCO Biosphere designation and agreed to extend the consultation process before making an application to UNESCO. The decision will enable a further six months of engagement with residents, community groups, landowners and other interested parties, ensuring people have more time to understand the proposal and share their views.
2026/2027 Community Grants are open for application
Forest of Dean District Council has opened applications for its 2026/2027 Community Grants Fund, inviting not-for-profit voluntary and community groups to apply for financial support that strengthens local connections and empowers residents across the district.